Department of Health and Social Care

NHS: Coronavirus

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the (a) level of access to covid-19 tests for NHS staff who want one and (b) accessibility of signposting on access to those tests.

Ms Nadine Dorries: Any member of National Health Service staff with COVID-19 symptoms can get a test – either via their employer or via the online Government portal. Increased testing capacity means that we will now be able to extend regular testing to asymptomatic NHS staff, guided by Public Health England and clinical advice. This approach is being piloted in a number of acute, community and mental health providers, which will inform further roll out in the future. Further information, including signposting and guidance on how to access a test is available on GOV.UK at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested

NHS: Coronavirus

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what criteria are used to refer NHS staff for testing.

Ms Nadine Dorries: Any member of National Health Service staff with COVID-19 symptoms can get a test – either via their employer or via the online Government portal. Increased testing capacity means that we will now be able to extend regular testing to asymptomatic NHS staff, guided by Public Health England and clinical advice. This approach is being piloted in a number of acute, community and mental health providers, which will inform further roll out in the future. Further information, including signposting and guidance on how to access a test is available on GOV.UK at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested

Coronavirus: Industrial Diseases

Alexander Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to ensure that people who have (a) pneumoconiosis, (b) silicosis, (c) chronic bronchitis, (d) asbestosis and (e) other industrial diseases  and who suffer from covid-19 are given help for their underlying conditions.

Helen Whately: People who have been diagnosed with severe with lung conditions should follow the advice from their healthcare professional and continue with their prescribed treatment regime.

Liverpool Football Club: Coronavirus

Sir George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State of Health and Social Care, if the Government will take steps with Liverpool Football Club and the relevant football authorities to (a) trace people who attended the Champions League fixture held at Anfield on 11 March 2020 and (b) commission an independent comparative assessment of the rate of covid-19 infection in that cohort and their contacts and a control group.

Ms Nadine Dorries: It is our absolute priority to protect people’s health. The Champions League fixture held at Anfield on 11 March 2020 took place in accordance with scientific advice at the time. The Government has no current plans to trace people who attended this match or to commission an independent comparative assessment of the rate of COVID-19 infection in that cohort and their contacts and a control group.

Care Homes: Coronavirus

Peter Kyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many contact tracing operations there were following risk assessments undertaken by Public Health England in response to outbreaks of covid-19 in care homes in March and April 2020.

Helen Whately: Holding answer received on 18 May 2020



Contact tracing is not carried out in care homes in the same way as in non-health and social care residential settings. Staff and residents are managed in line with current guidance at the following link:https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/884263/admission-and-care-of-residents-during-covid-19-incident-in-a-care-home.pdfPublic Health England Health Protection Teams (HPTs) undertake a risk assessment whenever there is a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 in a care home. HPTs arrange for swabs to be sent to the home to test symptomatic residents for confirmatory purposes via Pillar 1 testing.HPTs manage all staff and residents as potential contacts once one or more cases have been identified in a care home. Advice is provided to staff and residents within a care setting that has been risk assessed as having an ‘outbreak’ with respect to infection control measures including any requirements for isolation of contacts.As part of the national Pillar 2 testing process, prioritisation is now being given to testing asymptomatic/symptomatic staff and all other residents in care settings when an outbreak is confirmed in a care home. On 13 May, the Director General for Adult Social Care wrote to Directors of Public Health and Directors of Adult Social Services outlining this prioritisation. A copy of the letter is attached.

Coronavirus: Disease Control

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the effect on the effective reproductive number (R rate) of covid-19 and the resulting number of (a) positive cases and (b) deaths related to covid-19 if the social distancing measures introduced on 23 March 2020 had instead been introduced on (i) 2 March 2020, (ii) 9 March 2020 or (iii) 16 March 2020;  and if he will make a statement.

Helen Whately: The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) has been providing Ministers and officials with advice, based on external scientific evidence and a wide source of essential information. The Government introduced a series of social distancing advice and measures during March based on scientific advice from SAGE, including the ‘stay at home’ advice on 23 March.When we reduce our day-to-day contact with other people, we will reduce the spread of the infection. The Government has put in place strict social distancing to slow the spread of the virus so the National Health Service would not be overwhelmed, and lives could be saved.At all times, we have been consistently guided by scientific and medical advice to ensure that we do the right thing at the right time.

Care Homes: Coronavirus

Mr Clive Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, which organisations are responsible for the carrying out of covid-19 tests in care homes of residents and staff; and what changes have been made to the testing processes of those organisations in the last month.

Helen Whately: Holding answer received on 18 May 2020



Public Health England (PHE) and the Department are working closely together to respond to outbreaks of COVID-19 in care homes.PHE's health protection teams (HPTs) play a vital role locally in responding to any outbreak in care homes, providing tailored infection control advice to allow staff to protect themselves and their residents. From the outset, HPTs have been arranging testing for residents when an outbreak is reported at a particular care home.The Department is offering a test to every staff member and resident in every care home in England, whether symptomatic or not. By 6 June, every care home for the over 65s will have been offered testing for residents and staff.

Coronavirus: Disability

Marsha De Cordova: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what proportion of people who have tested positive for covid-19 are disabled.

Helen Whately: Holding answer received on 20 May 2020



At this stage, the data that we hold is not available in the format requested. We will continue to review the data we publish.

Ambulance Services: Coronavirus

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will publish the guidance his Department has issued to the  London Ambulance Service in relation to people suspected of having covid-19; and what assessment he has made of the effect of that guidance on trends in the level of (a) morbidity and (b) mortality of people with covid-19.

Edward Argar: National guidance has been made available for ambulance trusts at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-ambulance-trusts/covid-19-guidance-for-ambulance-trustsNo national assessment has been made of the effect of that guidance on trends in the level of morbidity and mortality of people with COVID-19.

Ambulance Services: Standards

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many patients have had more than one ambulance in attendance before being taken to hospital since the start of the covid-19 outbreak.

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many patients have requested an ambulance on more than one occasion before receiving a response since the start of the covid-19 outbreak.

Edward Argar: NHS England and NHS Improvement do not collect data on the number of patients who have had more than one ambulance in attendance before being taken to hospital, or how many patients have requested an ambulance on more than one occasion before receiving a response.Numbers of 999 calls and incidents are published at England and ambulance trust level. These Ambulance Quality Indicators are published monthly by NHS England and can be found at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/ambulance-quality-indicators/

Ambulance Services: Heart Diseases

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many people in cardiac arrest did not have an ambulance respond to their call in time in the last six months.

Edward Argar: NHS England and NHS Improvement do not hold information on how many people in cardiac arrest did not have an ambulance respond to their call in time in the last six months.Ambulance Quality Indicators, including Clinical Outcomes are published monthly by NHS England. This can be found at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/ambulance-quality-indicators/

Coronavirus: Death

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made on the effect of socio-economic deprivation on registered deaths involving covid-19.

Chloe Smith: Holding answer received on 20 May 2020



The government is considering the impacts of all of its policies in response to COVID-19 on different socio-economic groups. The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have therefore asked the Authority to respond.



UK Statistics Authority response
(PDF Document, 68.78 KB)

Coronavirus: Children

Bill Esterson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many children have been tested for covid-19 since guidance on attendance at schools was changed in March 2020.

Ms Nadine Dorries: Holding answer received on 02 June 2020



The number of tests conducted between 23 March and 26 May (inclusive) for children whose ages were under 11, under 16 and under 18 at collection were:- Under 11s tested: 25,159- Under 16s tested: 44,954- Under 18s tested: 54,881This data only covers tests completed under Pillar 2 (mass swab testing for general population) of the Testing Strategy. Public Health England and the National Health Service do not compile data for the number of tests conducted for under-18s.

Coronavirus: Screening

Jonathan Ashworth: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when the Roche antibody test will be available to the general public.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The Government has announced the start of its national antibody testing programme, with initial plans to provide antibody tests for National Health Service and care staff, as well as hospital patients and care residents on the basis of clinical advice, in England from the end of May. The United Kingdom Government has purchased tests on behalf of the devolved administrations, and each devolved nation is deciding how to use its test allocation.

Coronavirus: Humber Bridge

Dame Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the maximum number is of covid-19 tests that can be completed at the Humber Bridge car park testing centre each day.

Ms Nadine Dorries: We do not publish data broken down by test centre.

Coronavirus: Humber Bridge

Dame Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many covid-19 tests completed at the Humber Bridge car park testing centre have been sent outside UK for analysis.

Ms Nadine Dorries: We do not publish data broken down by test centre.

Coronavirus: Humber Bridge

Dame Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many covid-19 test appointments have been booked at the Humber Bridge car park testing centre since the facility opened.

Ms Nadine Dorries: We do not publish data broken down by test centre.

Coronavirus: Humber Bridge

Dame Diana Johnson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many covid-19 tests were carried out on each day at the Humber Bridge car park testing centre since that facility opened.

Ms Nadine Dorries: We do not publish data broken down by test centre.

Home Care Services: Coronavirus

Ms Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many domiciliary care workers in the community were tested for covid-19 in each week from 2 March 2020 to 4 May 2020.

Ms Nadine Dorries: Holding answer received on 02 June 2020



The Department does not hold this information.

Community Care: Coronavirus

Ms Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many (a) district nurses and (b) other community medics were tested for covid-19 in each week from 2 March 2020 to 4 May 2020.

Ms Nadine Dorries: Holding answer received on 02 June 2020



The Department does not hold this information.

General Practitioners: Coronavirus

Ms Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many GPs were tested for covid-19 in each week from 2 March 2020 to 4 May 2020.

Ms Nadine Dorries: Holding answer received on 02 June 2020



The Department does not hold this information.

Ambulance Services: Coronavirus

Ms Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many paramedics employed by NHS ambulance trusts were tested for covid-19 in each week from 2 March 2020 to 4 May 2020.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The Department does not hold this information.

Social Services: Disability

Zarah Sultana: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the effect on (a) disabled people and (b) their carers of the changes to Care Act 2014 duties for local authorities to discretions in the Coronavirus Act 2020.

Helen Whately: Holding answer received on 02 June 2020



The Department is working with the Care Quality Commission and Think Local, Act Personal (TLAP) to understand the impact on individuals, including disabled people and their carers, of the changes to Care Act 2014 duties. TLAP hopes to speak to local authorities which are operating under easements to understand what this means for adults with care and support needs. A TLAP Insight Group will be meeting regularly to coordinate intelligence of TLAP partners on the impact and views of people accessing care and support and unpaid carers.

Coronavirus: Sick Leave

James Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department holds data on (a) occupation and (b) gender of people who have requested a sick note from NHS 111 for self-isolation due to covid-19 symptoms.

Helen Whately: The Department does not hold the data requested.

Coronavirus: Disease Control

Tulip Siddiq: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to recruit contact tracers from existing staff in (a) sexual health services and (b) other NHS services relating to infectious diseases that have experience of contact tracing.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The Government launched its new NHS Test and Trace service on 28 May 2020. This includes enhanced contact tracing.Public Health England’s local health protection teams and local authority public health teams remain an integral part of the contact tracing system. In order to manage the increased caseload expected as the ‘lockdown’ measures start to be eased, these teams will be supported by around 25,000 additional contact tracing staff, a mix of call handlers and health professionals.Health professionals have been recruited from both within and outside the National Health Service and include staff who have worked in sexual health services, environmental health, and other areas.

Voluntary Work: Coronavirus

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the NHS volunteering scheme in respect of the use of volunteers in response to the covid-19 outbreak.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coronavirus

Dame Cheryl Gillan: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many people have been reported as contracting covid-19 more than once.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Obesity

Mary Glindon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the Statistics on Obesity, Physical Activity and Diet, published on 5 May 2020 by NHS Digital, what steps his Department is taking to reduce hospital admissions (a) directly attributable to obesity and (b) where obesity was a factor; and if he will make a statement.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Obesity: Children

Mary Glindon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the Statistics on Obesity, Physical Activity and Diet, published on 5 May 2020 by NHS Digital, what steps his Department is taking to reduce the prevalence of childhood obesity in the most deprived areas; and if he will make a statement.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coronavirus: Disease Control

Mary Glindon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to mitigate the effect of covid-19 for people (a) from BAME backgrounds and (b) who are obese; and if he will make a statement.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Obesity: Coronavirus

Mary Glindon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to support people (a) who live with obesity and (b) who are adversely affected by covid-19 as lockdown measures are eased; and if he will make a statement.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Obesity

Mary Glindon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how admissions are coded in hospitals for obesity; and if he will make a statement.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Podiatry: Community Health Services

Alex Norris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will take steps to help expand community podiatry services to tackle levels of diabetic foot ulceration and amputation as a result of the covid-19 outbreak; and if he will make a statement.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coronavirus: Disease Control

Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent comparative assessment his Department has made of the rate of infection of covid-19 in multi-generational households and the wider population.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coronavirus: Ethnic Groups

Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the timescale is for Public Health England’s review into the effect of covid-19 on black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coronavirus: Disease Control

Liam Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will publish the methodology the Government is using to calculate the national R rate for covid-19 infections.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coronavirus: Disease Control

Steve Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what additional resources his Department plans to provide to local authorities to support the test, track and trace programme during the covid-19 outbreak.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Taitusi Ratucaucau

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what representations he has received on waiving medical charges in respect of Commonwealth-born armed forces veteran Taitusi Ratucaucau.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coronavirus: Travellers

Gill Furniss: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 20 May 2020 to Question 46117 on Coronavirus: Roma, how Public Health England plans to capture evidence on the outcomes for Gypsies, Travellers and Roma, whose ethnic categories are not part of the NHS Data Dictionary.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Movianto UK: Contracts

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether the Movianto contract with the NHS to maintain the UK's pandemic stock pile is an open book contract.

Edward Argar: The contract with Movianto is managed under open book arrangements which allows for their costs and margins to be scrutinised through regular reporting and accounting processes.

Movianto UK: Contracts

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether the Movianto NHS contract to maintain the UK pandemic supplies stockpile required the NHS to pay for the fixed costs such as rent and utilities that Movianto incurred.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Charities: Government Assistance

Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what financial support is available for health and social care charities during the covid-19 outbreak.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coronavirus: Screening

Fleur Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to prevent the double-counting of covid-19 tests.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Motor Neurone Disease: Coronavirus

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, for what reason motor neurone disease (MND) was removed from the extremely vulnerable list; if he will publish the evidential basis for that decision; and if he will make an assessment of for what reason Northern Ireland regards MND patients as extremely vulnerable, but England does not.

Helen Whately: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Surgery

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he will take to ensure cancelled elective surgeries are rescheduled.

Edward Argar: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Carers: Protective Clothing

Theresa Villiers: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department has taken to provide personal protective equipment to people caring for elderly relatives at home.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coronavirus: Children

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Education on the covid-19 testing of children under five years of age in the context of the reopening of schools, nurseries and childcare settings.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Abscesses: Health Services

Emma Hardy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department has taken to consider the effect on (a) people’s quality of life and (b) NHS resources of the cancellation and postponement of routine appointments to people with venous leg ulcers and other chronic wounds, in both the community and acute care settings; and if he will make a statement.

Edward Argar: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Abscesses: Health Services

Emma Hardy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department plans to take to ensure people with venous leg ulcers and other chronic wounds are able to access community and acute care services promptly; and if he will make a statement.

Edward Argar: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Joint Biosecurity Centre

Helen Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Prime Minister’s announcement of the Joint Biosecurity Centre, what plans the Government has for the (a) budgets, (b) ministerial oversight and (c) senior leadership of that Centre.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

University College Hospital: Radiotherapy

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when the proton beam therapy machine at University College Hospital London is planned to be operational.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

University College Hospital: Radiotherapy

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care,  for what reason the opening of the proton beam therapy service at University College Hospital London has been delayed.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Radiotherapy: Medical Equipment

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the estimated cost to the public purse was of purchasing and installing proton beam therapy machines at the two UK treatment centres (a) to date and (b) to the point at which those machines become operational.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Radiotherapy: Medical Equipment

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what estimate his Department has made of how many patients will receive proton beam therapy at (a) The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and (b) University College London Hospitals in the first year the machines become operational.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coronavirus: Screening

Grahame Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the cost to the public purse is for each contract for the running of a UK covid-19 testing centre; and how many tests each such centre has carried out.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coronavirus: Disease Control

Mr Clive Betts: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to tracking and tracing process for the contacts of people with covid-19, what sanctions he plans to put in place for people who refuse to disclose details of their contacts and interactions; and what sanctions will be in place for people who are identified as contacts who refuse to co-operate with that process.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

NHS Covid-19 App Data Ethics Advisory Board

Mr Steve Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will ensure that members of the NHS Covid-19 App Data Ethics Advisory Board are given unrestricted access to all the information that they require.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

General Practitioners: Coronavirus

Mr David Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether general practitioners are entitled to conduct covid-19 antibody tests on their own authority.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coronavirus: Disease Control

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what data is used and how that data is obtained to calculate the reproductive (r) value for covid-19.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Respiratory System: Coronavirus

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to increase testing for covid-19 for patients recovering from (a) pneumonia and (b) other respiratory infections.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Pharmacy: Protective Clothing

Theresa Villiers: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps he is taking to help ensure community pharmacies can obtain personal protective equipment during the covid-19 pandemic.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

NHS and Social Care Coronavirus Life Assurance Scheme 2020

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the qualifying criteria will be for NHS staff to receive death in service benefit.

Helen Whately: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

NHS and Social Care Coronavirus Life Assurance Scheme 2020

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, by what date the first payments will be made from the new death in service benefit.

Helen Whately: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

NHS Injury Benefits Scheme

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans he has to reinstate the NHS Injuries Benefit Scheme; and if he will make a statement.

Helen Whately: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Private Patients: Health Services

Kate Osborne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when routine services and treatments will recommence in private hospitals.

Edward Argar: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Hospitals: Health Services

Kate Osborne: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when routine services and treatments will recommence in NHS hospitals.

Edward Argar: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

NHS: Computer Software

Olivia Blake: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what tests the test-and-trace system has undergone to ensure it is up to the standard necessary for a public launch; what level of training has been provided to contact tracers; and what oversight there is of the training of contact tracers.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coronavirus: Hospitals

Dame Margaret Hodge: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many patients have been admitted to each of the temporary Nightingale hospitals during the covid-19 outbreak.

Edward Argar: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coronavirus: Patients

Stella Creasy: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many people have been removed from the covid-19 shielded patients list and notified of that removal by text message.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Care Homes: Coronavirus

Nadia Whittome: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to his press briefing on 15 May 2020 in which he referred to placing a protective ring around care homes from the start of the covid-19 outbreak, which measures implemented by the Government prior to the publication of the covid-19 social care action plan published on 16 April 2020 were part of that protective ring.

Helen Whately: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

South Tyneside Hospital: Standards

Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, when he plans to review the Path to Excellence in respect of South Tyneside Hospital as announced in December 2019.

Edward Argar: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

NHS: Computer Software

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to Answer of 18 May to Question 43901 and the Answer of 27 May to Question 48424, when NHSX tracking app data uploaded to a centralised server will be destroyed.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coronavirus: Protective Clothing

Meg Hillier: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will publish the (a) evidence and (b) modelling that indicated that the Resource Departmental Expenditure Limit for Personal Protective Equipment set on 25 March 2020 was sufficient for his Department’s needs.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coronavirus: Protective Clothing

Meg Hillier: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will publish the process by which Resource Departmental Expenditure Limits for Personal Protective Equipment are set in his Department.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coronavirus: Protective Clothing

Meg Hillier: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what the Resource Departmental Expenditure Limits were for Personal Protective Equipment set by his Department on 25 March 2020.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coronavirus: Disease Control

Mr David Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what discussions he has had with his counterpart in the Welsh Government on co-operation between England and Wales for the NHS Test and Trace service.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Eating Disorders

Zarah Sultana: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans he has to reduce the time period between people displaying symptoms of eating disorders and receiving treatment.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Eating Disorders

Zarah Sultana: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if his will make it his policy to work with the eating disorders charity Beat to (a) access the most recent data on issues facing people with eating disorders, (b) support people with eating disorders and (c) allocate additional funding (i) to tackle the causes and (b) for the treatment of those conditions.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Endoscopy

Zarah Sultana: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what support his Department is providing to increase (a) training and (b) employment of endoscopists for the optimisation of bowel screening.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coronavirus: Screening

Alex Sobel: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, for what reason why the Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency has requested that laboratories pause processing self-collect finger-prick blood samples for covid-19 antibody testing.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coronavirus Act: Procurement

Clive Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many contracts have been awarded to to private companies using Coronavirus Act 2020 emergency tendering powers; what the value of those contracts is; and for what (a) services and (b) products those contracts are for.

Edward Argar: Guidance on how contracting authorities should respond to COVID-19 was published on 18 March. Authorities are allowed to procure goods, services and works with extreme urgency in exceptional circumstances using regulation 32(2)(c) under the Public Contract Regulations 2015. We have made it clear that authorities must continue to achieve value for money for taxpayers, use good commercial judgement and publish the details of any awards made.To date under the regulation, 636 contracts have been awarded to private sector companies worth £6.2 billion by the Department. Procurement Regulations require the publication of the individual Contract Award Notices in the Official Journal of the European which will contain information on the value, services and products provided under the contract; and we publish certain information on Contracts Finder about contracts awarded.

Coronavirus: Protective Clothing

Clive Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that there is an adequate supply personal protective equipment in the event of a second covid-19 peak later in 2020.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Health Services: Disadvantaged

Clive Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans his Department has to develop a national strategy for tackling health inequalities in England as part of recovering from the effects of covid-19.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coronavirus: Hospitals

Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 29 May 2020 to Question 43030 on Coronavirus: Hospitals, what information his Department holds on the number of (a) admissions and (b) deaths in (i) all and (ii) each Nightingale hospital.

Edward Argar: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Department of Health and Social Care: Correspondence

Ms Angela Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, for what reason his Department has send replies to letters from Honorable Members from civil servants; and whether those letters were been seen by a Minister in his department before they are issued.

Edward Argar: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coronavirus: Disease Control

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how NHS Test and Trace employees will securely identify themselves when they alert the contacts of people testing positive for covid-19 by (a) text, (b) email and (c) phone call; and how the trained call handler will identify themselves.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coronavirus: Screening

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether the Government plans to make antibody tests available to the public through GPs.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Care Homes: Coronavirus

Derek Twigg: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many care homes run by private providers have been put under advanced surveillance for Infection Protection Control since 1 April 2020 (a) by region and (b) in England.

Helen Whately: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Care Homes: Protective Clothing

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many requests for personal protective equipment (PPE) have been made through the care home online portal; how many of those requests for PPE have been fulfilled; and within what timeframe were those requests fulfilled.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Surgery

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many (a) operations and (b) types of operation have been cancelled in each NHS trust in England since the covid-19 lockdown measures were implemented in March 2020.

Edward Argar: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Public Lavatories: Coronavirus

Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what recent assessment he has made of the effect on public health of the lack of access to public toilets during the covid-19 lockdown.

Jo Churchill: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coronavirus: Screening

Justin Madders: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many people were tested for covid-19 from 20 May to 31 May 2020 inclusive.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coronavirus: Disease Control

Steve Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, by what means local authorities were informed of the launch date of the NHS test and trace service.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Domestic Abuse: Coronavirus

Jess Phillips: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will place in the Library a copy of  (a) safeguarding documents and (b) risk assessments that were undertaken to ensure that the test, track, trace and isolate scheme would be safe for victims of domestic and interpersonal abuse, in order to ensure that scheme cannot be used to isolate victims of abuse maliciously.

Ms Nadine Dorries: The Department of Health and Social Care has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Prime Minister

Ministerial Policy Advisers: Codes of Practice

Owen Thompson: To ask the Prime Minister, what discussions he has had with the Minister for the Cabinet Office on Clause 14 of the Code of Conduct for Special Advisors.

Boris Johnson: I refer the Hon Member to the answer given to him today by my hon Friend, the Minister of State (Cabinet Office), UIN 52214.

Department for Work and Pensions

Universal Credit

Neil Coyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what proportion of the 93 per cent of claims for universal credit that have been processed by her Department since 16 March 2020 have resulted in people not qualifying for a payment.

Will Quince: Holding answer received on 05 May 2020



Between March 16th and March 29th there were 800,000 declarations made to Universal Credit, all of which are processed. Of these67% have received a UC payment16% had a nil award due to earnings16% were either withdrawn by the claimant or closed due to ineligibilityLess than 1% have outstanding verification preventing payment For comparison, in January and February there were 580,000 declaration made to Universal Credit, all of which are processed. Of these63% have received a UC payment12% had a nil award due to earnings26% were either withdrawn by the claimant or closed due to ineligibilityLess than 1% have outstanding verification preventing payment I apologise for the time taken to provide this answer.

Social Security Benefits: Coronavirus

Jessica Morden: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of the proposals in the Joint call to Government for a Coronavirus Emergency Income Support Scheme that can help us all weather this storm, published by the Trussell Trust in April 2020.

Will Quince: Holding answer received on 06 May 2020



The Government has been clear in its commitment to support those affected in these difficulties times and we have made a number of changes to the welfare system to ensure people are receiving the support they need. These changes include: making it easier to access benefits. Those applying for Contributory ESA who may have coronavirus, are self-isolating, or caring for a child (or qualifying young person) who falls into either of those categories, or individuals who have been advised to ’shield’ because they are at high risk of severe illness, will be entitled from day 1 of their claim – as opposed to day 8 - and we have removed the need for face-to-face assessment. Both Universal Credit and ESA can now be claimed by phone or online;increasing the standard allowance of Universal Credit and working tax credit for this year by around £1000 per year;temporarily relaxing the application of the Minimum Income Floor (MIF) for all self-employed claimants affected by COVID-19 to ensure that the self-employed can access UC at a more generous rate;making Statutory Sick Pay available from day 1 – as opposed to day 4 - where an eligible individual is sick or self-isolating; andincreasing in the Local Housing Allowance rates for Universal Credit and Housing Benefit claimants so that it covers the cheapest 30% of local market rents – which is on average £600 in people’s pockets.To allow staff to be re-deployed to the front line, we have suspended recovery of some Government debts such as Tax Credits, benefit overpayments and Social Fund Loans.The Department has also made Regulations which remove restrictions preventing prisoners on temporary release due to the Covid-19 measures from claiming means-tested benefits, including Universal Credit, during the period of that release.Taken together, these measures represent an injection of over £6.5 billion into the welfare system and, along with the other job and business support programmes announced by the Chancellor, including the Business Retention Scheme and the Self Employed Income Support Scheme, represent one of the most comprehensive packages of support introduced by an advanced economy in response to the coronavirus outbreak. The Government remains committed to supporting the essential work the Voluntary, and Community and Social Enterprise Sector do in our communities which is why the Chancellor recently announced a £750million package of support to ensure they can continue their vital work during the coronavirus outbreak. Following the Chancellor’s announcement last month, the bidding process for direct cash grants through the National Lottery Community Fund has now launched for those in England. The Coronavirus Community Support Fund aims to support the tens of thousands of charities and organisations at the heart of local communities that are making a big difference during the COVID-19 outbreak, including delivering food, essential medicines and providing financial advice, which includes welfare support and advice. The funding is to help organisations ensure they can meet increased demand as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, as well as continuing their day to day activities supporting vulnerable people in need.

Department for Work and Pensions: Interserve

Mary Glindon: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether cleaners employed by Interserve working in her Department’s premises enjoy parity of treatment with civil servants in her Department with respect to their (a) entitlement to sick leave caused by covid-19, (b) status as vulnerable workers and (c) responsibilities for looking after extremely vulnerable dependents.

Mims Davies: Holding answer received on 18 May 2020



Both DWP and Interserve have implemented HR policies which fully comply with the Covid-19 guidance published by Public Health England (PHE) via Gov.uk. These policies each cover the three areas highlighted for the respective separate workforces.

Members: Correspondence

Neil Coyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, when she plans to provide a substantive Answer to Named Day Question 41056 on Universal Credit which was tabled on 28 April 2020 and was due for Answer on 5 May 2020.

Will Quince: Holding answer received on 02 June 2020



An answer to Written Parliamentary Question UIN 41056 was provided on 4/06/2020.I apologise for the time taken to provide this answer.

Universal Credit: Coronavirus

Seema Malhotra: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate she has made of the number of people who have claimed universal credit in each region of the UK since 12 March 2020.

Will Quince: Holding answer received on 02 June 2020



Information on People on Universal Credit in each region, up to 9th April 2020, is published online and can be found at: https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/ Guidance on how to extract the information required can be found at:https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/webapi/online-help/Getting-Started.html The next People on Universal Credit statistics will be released on 16th June 2020

Children: Maintenance

Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to the Child Maintenance Service standard practice of making reassessments when there is a 25 per cent reduction in income, if she will make it her policy to provide financial assistance to low-income, divorced parents on furlough at 80 per cent of their normal income to help them meet their child maintenance payments.

Mims Davies: Holding answer received on 02 June 2020



The Government recognises that the income of many separated parents is being impacted by the public health emergency. No one should use this time as an excuse to avoid their child maintenance payments however where parents experience a change in income, we can review their case and check if the amount paid should change. If it does not, they should continue to make payments. The Government has been clear in its commitment to support those, including both paying and receiving parents, whose income drops as a result of the public health emergency and we have made a number of changes to the welfare system to ensure people are receiving the support they need. These include increasing the standard rate of Universal Credit and working tax credit for this year by around £1000 per year. People who need money urgently continue to be able to access up to a month’s Universal Credit advance upfront by applying online. We are increasing the Local Housing Allowance rates for Universal Credit and Housing Benefit claimants so that it covers the cheapest third of local rents – which is on average £600 in people’s pockets. Taken together, these measures represent an injection of over £6.5 billion into the welfare system and, along with the other job and business support programmes announced by the Chancellor, represent one of the most comprehensive packages of support introduced by an advanced economy in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Industrial Health and Safety: Coronavirus

Alyn Smith: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what additional support her Department is providing to the Heath and Safety Executive to ensure effective regulation of SARS-CoV-2 in workplaces throughout the UK.

Mims Davies: Holding answer received on 02 June 2020



The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is playing a crucial role in the Government’s response to covid-19, including its continued work with trade unions, employers and stakeholders to help ensure workplaces are safe environments. The Government has already announced it has made up to £14 million additional funding available to HSE for extra call centre employees, inspectors and equipment to support their work. HSE working with the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy published guidance on 11th May 2020 on working safely during the coronavirus pandemic. HSE is funded to deliver its wide-ranging regulatory functions and has also redirected resource to this activity as a priority. In addition, HSE continues to address reported workplace concerns with employers, including those relating to employees with a heighted risk from Covid-19.

Industrial Health and Safety: Inspections

Imran Hussain: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many full-time equivalent inspectors have been employed in each region of the country by (a) the Health and Safety Executive and (b) Local Authorities in each year since 2009.

Mims Davies: The Department for Work and Pensions has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Universal Credit: Self-employment Income Support Scheme

Alison McGovern: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment the Government has made of the income effect of the Self Employed Income Support Scheme on people who are also claiming universal credit.

Mims Davies: We treat the Self Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS) payments as self-employed earnings and take them into account in the month in which it is received. The Department has not made an assessment of the income effect of the SEISS on people who are also claiming universal credit.

Universal Credit: Coronavirus

Alison McGovern: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment the Government has made of the potential merits of suspending the Universal Credit (Miscellaneous Amendments, Saving and Transitional Provision) Regulations 2018 for the duration of the covid-19 outbreak.

Will Quince: The Department for Work and Pensions has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Employment: Females

Marsha De Cordova: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate she has made of the number women who have been (a) made redundant and (b) furloughed as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.

Mims Davies: ONS estimate redundancies using the Labour Force Survey. The latest figures can be found at; https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peoplenotinwork/redundancies/datasets/redundancieslevelsandratesseasonallyadjustedred01sa There is no data currently available by either ONS or HMRC on the impact of the furlough scheme by gender as a result of covid-19.

Post Office Card Account: Wales

Mr David Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, when she plans to extend the Post Office card account customer cash delivery service to Wales.

Guy Opperman: The responsibility for any card account customer cash delivery service poca for customers living in Wales is a matter for Welsh Government. The alternative method of payment service, including cash by exception, run during the COVID-19 Pandemic has been offered to DWP customers in England who are not paid by the Department’s standard payment methods and have been required to follow the Shielding guidance provided by NHS England.

Social Security Benefits

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether her Department has carried out a recent equality impact assessment into the effect of the benefit cap in relation to the recent increase to (a) the standard allowance of universal credit and (b) local housing allowance.

Mims Davies: The Secretary of State has complied with her duties under the Equality Act 2010 in respect of the recent policy changes.

Universal Credit: Young People

Helen Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of the universal credit standard allowance for people aged under 25 who are living independently.

Will Quince: The Department for Work and Pensions has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Universal Credit: Wales

Jessica Morden: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people  submitted claims for universal credit in Wales from 1 March to 12 May in (a) 2017, (b) 2018, (c) 2019 and (d) 2020.

Will Quince: The Department for Work and Pensions has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Independent Case Examiner

Rushanara Ali: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 15 May 2020 to Question 43913 on the Independent Case Examiner, how many new Independent Case Examiners were recruited between 1 February 2020 and 31 March 2020 to help reduce the time complaints wait to be brought into investigation.

Mims Davies: The Department for Work and Pensions has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Social Security Benefits: Terminal Illnesses

Vicky Foxcroft: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, when she plans to publish the outcome of review into how the benefits system supports people who are terminally ill, announced in July 2019.

Justin Tomlinson: The evaluation remains a priority for the Department. However, we are in unprecedented times and the Government’s immediate focus is on supporting people affected by Covid-19 and getting support to them as quickly as possible. We will keep stakeholders updated with developments.

Pensions: Fraud

Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps her Department is taking to protect people from pension scams and fraud.

Guy Opperman: The Department for Work and Pensions has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Pensions: Fraud

Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment her Department has made of trends in the number of pension scams and fraud in each quarter of the last five years.

Guy Opperman: The Department for Work and Pensions has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Social Security Benefits: Surveys

Alex Sobel: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 22 May 2020 to Question 45418, if she will publish the document that details the full set of questions as at quarter 3 of the survey year in 2018-19 used for the Claimant Experience Survey 2018-19.

Mims Davies: The Department for Work and Pensions has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Social Security Benefits: Medical Examinations

Drew Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps her Department has taken to support (a) people who have recently received a cancer diagnosis and (b) other people who would normally require work capability assessments for (a) universal credit and (b) new style contributory employment support allowance to access additional support.

Justin Tomlinson: From 17 March 2020 we suspended all face-to-face assessments for sickness and disability benefits, initially for three months, to protect vulnerable people and assessment centre staff from unnecessary risk of exposure to COVID-19. We continue to complete paper based assessments where possible and have introduced telephone assessments. Where a claimant declares they have cancer in the ESA/UC50 Health Questionnaire a Health care practitioner considers this evidence and in the majority of cases a recommendation will be made at this stage based on the papers alone. If it is not possible to complete an assessment based on the paper evidence, a WCA will be conducted, where possible, over the telephone in coming months. We anticipate customers may experience a longer wait to be referred for their assessment and for the assessment to take place during this period, as we have redeployed some staff to manage unprecedented volumes of demand for benefits. Backdating rules mean that claimants will not lose out in the long-run.

Universal Credit

Stuart C McDonald: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many claimants have moved from legacy benefits to universal credit in each of the last six months through (a) natural migration and (b) managed migration.

Will Quince: a) Claimants move from existing benefits to Universal Credit when they experience a significant change in their circumstances that triggers a new claim to benefit. We do not centrally collate the number of claimants that have made a new claim to Universal Credit as a result of such a change in circumstances. Data surrounding Universal Credit caseload growth at national, regional and constituency level is published at: https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk Guidance for users is available at:https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/webapi/online-help/Getting-Started.html  b) The Move to UC Pilot has been temporarily suspended following the outbreak of COVID-19.

Social Security Benefits

Seema Malhotra: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate she has made of the value of additional support that households subject to the benefit cap at the start of February 2020 have been unable to receive.

Mims Davies: The information requested is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost. Claimants can approach their Local Authority for a Discretionary Housing Payment if they need additional support to meet rental costs.There is already £180m in Discretionary Housing Payments for local authorities to distribute for supporting renters with housing costs in the private and social rented sectors in 2020/21. This includes an additional £40m to tackle affordability pressures in the private rented sector.

Social Security Benefits: Greater London

Seema Malhotra: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the implications for her policies of the finding in the report by Policy in Practice, entitled The interaction of covid-19 measures and the benefit cap on low-income Londoners, that 22,000 existing benefit claimants in London became capped following the increases in benefits awards introduced by the Government in April 2020 as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.

Mims Davies: The Department for Work and Pensions has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Department for Work and Pensions: Statistics

Seema Malhotra: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, when she plans to publish her Department’s response to the DWP Statistics Publication Frequency Review, published in December 2019.

Mims Davies: The Department for Work and Pensions has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Coronavirus: Disability

Yasmin Qureshi: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether the Government plans to implement the recommendations of the Scope's report entitled the Disability Report: Disabled People and the Coronavirus Crisis, published in May 2020.

Justin Tomlinson: The Disability Unit is working across Government Departments to ensure that the needs of disabled people are considered in the Government’s response to Covid-19. The Government welcomes Scope’s report on 'Disabled People and the Coronavirus Crisis', and will consider its recommendations.

Social Security Benefits

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people have had their benefits capped since January 31st 2020; and how many of those caps were still in place on 1 June 2020.

Mims Davies: The information requested is not readily available and to provide it would incur disproportionate cost.

Unemployment: Immigrants

Mrs Emma Lewell-Buck: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what support her Department is providing to people who have been made unemployed as a result of the covid-19 outbreak and who do not have recourse to public funds following their indefinite leave to remain settlement.

Justin Tomlinson: Access to DWP income-related benefits such as Universal Credit flows from an individual’s immigration status. The Home Office determine whether persons granted leave to enter or remain in the UK are eligible to access public funds. Those unable to access DWP income-related benefits, such as Universal Credit, may be eligible to access DWP contributions-based benefits, providing they meet eligibility criteria. Government measures to support workers and their families through Covid-19 are also available for those who meet the eligibility criteria. These include the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, the Self-employed Income Support Scheme and Statutory Sick Pay.

Bereavement Support Payment: Coronavirus

Stella Creasy: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people that are not eligible for bereavement support payment as a result of not being married contacted Tell Us Once service during the covid-19 outbreak.

Mims Davies: The Department for Work and Pensions has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Social Security Benefits: Coronavirus

Vicky Foxcroft: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps her Department are taking to ensure applicants for disability benefits during the covid-19 outbreak are offered (a) a remote benefits assessment and (b) the choice between completing remote benefits assessment over the phone or on paper.

Justin Tomlinson: All face-to-face assessments for sickness and disability benefits are currently suspended in line with public health advice. We continue to complete paper-based assessments and make recommendations based on written evidence available, where possible. Where a case cannot be progressed by a paper-based assessment, a telephone assessment will be conducted, where appropriate to do so. This decision falls to the Health Professional, rather than the individual.

Mental Illness: Medical Examinations

Vicky Foxcroft: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps her Department is taking to ensure people with mental health problems are aware of their right to have a friend, family member or support worker on a phone assessment through a conference call.

Justin Tomlinson: Companions are able to join the telephony assessment, as they would have done for the face-to-face assessment. This is confirmed to the individual in the initial invitation to assessment letter for all phone assessments. If choosing to request a companion, they will be added to the call by the Health Professional at the start of the assessment. The department is committed to providing a quality, sensitive and respectful service to everyone. Individuals are encouraged to alert their assessment provider of any additional requirements they may have and providers will endeavour to meet any such reasonable requests.

Universal Credit

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate her Department has made of the number of people unable to claim universal credit as a result of having savings of over £16,000.

Will Quince: In 2019, 8,670 claims were not eligible to Universal Credit due to having savings of over £16,000.      Time of Claim% of claims ineligible due to capitalNumber of claims ineligible due to capitalNumber of Claims (declarations)2019 claims0.20% 8,670  3,472,000

Universal Credit

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate her Department has made of the number of people who have seen a reduction in their universal credit award as a result of having savings of between £6,000 and £16,000.

Will Quince: The information requested could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Social Security Benefits: Children

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many households did not receive additional support through (a) tax credits and (b) universal credit due to the policy to provide support for a maximum of two children in April 2020.

Will Quince: The Government has committed to annual statistics releases related to the operation of the policy to provide support for a maximum of two children. Statistics related to the period up to April 2019 are available on GOV.UK. Statistics related to the period up to April 2020 will be published in the summer.

Universal Credit

Kate Green: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many claimants are in the process of waiting five weeks to receive their first universal credit payment.

Will Quince: The latest Management Information on declarations to Universal Credit was published on 2 June 2020. It can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/universal-credit-declarations-claims-and-advances-management-information

Social Security Benefits: Disability

Liz Saville Roberts: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the potential merits for disabled people of the temporary pause to (a) sanctions and (b) face-to-face assessments for disability benefits; and if she will publish a strategy outlining how her Department plans to build on the temporary changes during the covid-19 outbreak to make permanent improvements to the system.

Justin Tomlinson: These pauses were brought in to safeguard the public and staff and because we recognised the need for our staff to focus on the processing of new claims.We are currently reviewing these measures in light of the latest public health advice and will confirm next steps as soon as possible.

Universal Credit

Liz Saville Roberts: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of the effect on household incomes of the temporary change to the five-week wait for universal credit during the covid-19 outbreak; and if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of permanently removing the five-week wait for universal credit.

Will Quince: The Department for Work and Pensions has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Social Security Benefits: Disability

Liz Saville Roberts: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of whether uprating the legacy benefits received by people with disabilities in line with universal credit could remove the income disparities between different groups of disabled people.

Justin Tomlinson: DWP has no plans to increase Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance or Income Support. These benefits were increased by 1.7% in April 2020 as part of the annual up-rating exercise.

Maternity Pay: Coronavirus

Sarah Olney: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, if she will make it her policy to provide additional statutory maternity pay to mothers who are unable to find childcare to enable their return to work during the covid-19 outbreak.

Mims Davies: The Department for Work and Pensions has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Means-tested Benefits

Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many claimants for (a) universal credit, (b) pension credit, (c) income-based jobseeker's allowance, (d) income-related employment and support allowance, (e) housing benefit and (f) income support have had their payments reduced due to reaching the savings threshold since March 2020.

Will Quince: The information requested is not readily available and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

Means-tested Benefits

Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent assessment she has made of the appropriateness of the savings thresholds for (a) universal credit, (b) pension credit, (c) income-based jobseekers allowance, (d) income-related employment and support allowance, (e) housing benefit and (f) income support.

Will Quince: The Department for Work and Pensions has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Jobseeker's Allowance: Coronavirus

Zarah Sultana: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether she plans to suspend the 182 day entitlement limit to the new style Job Seeker's Allowance in response to the covid-19 outbreak.

Mims Davies: Entitlement to contribution-based jobseeker’s allowance (JSA) is limited to a maximum of 182 days in any one jobseeking period. This is an absolute limit, provided for in primary legislation (section 5 of the Jobseekers Act 1995) and there are no plans to amend the primary legislation. Universal credit, for those people who meet or continue to meet the conditions of entitlement, is available throughout any period of entitlement to contribution-based JSA.

Pension Rights: Coronavirus

Anna McMorrin: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the effect of covid-19 lockdown restrictions on the secure transferal of private pension funds to a dependent, upon the death of a partner, who would have been a spouse were it not for those restrictions placed on wedding and civil partnership ceremonies.

Guy Opperman: The rules governing what surviving spouses or partners might inherit following the death of a member will differ for different private pension schemes, and will depend on individual scheme rules. Some schemes will require a couple to be married or in a civil partnership, others will require the scheme member to nominate their partner, in others again the unmarried partner may have to prove financial dependency. Many Defined Benefit pension schemes pay death benefits, such as death in service lump sums, or, for those already retired, the remainder of the first five year’s pension on the member’s death. These benefits are normally payable even if no survivor benefit is due. In many cases, the trustees have discretion as to who payment should be made to, although the member is encouraged to complete a nomination form to make their wishes known.

*No heading*

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what recent discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on the potential prosecution of cases of breaches of health and safety legislation in care homes that took place during the covid-19 outbreak.

Mims Davies: The Department for Work and Pensions has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Home Office

Boats: Undocumented Migrants

Alexander Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many boats illegally transporting migrants have arrived in the UK in each month of the last three years.

Alexander Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many boats transporting migrants to the UK have been turned back in each month of the last three years.

Alexander Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many boats illegally transporting migrants to the UK have been sent back to France in each month of the last three years.

Alexander Stafford: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many boats illegally transporting migrants to the UK have been stopped in French waters in each month of the last three years.

Chris Philp: To provide information regarding the number of boats illegally transporting migrants have arrived in the UK in each month of the last three years would require a manual check of individual records which would exceed the disproportionate cost threshold.However, we can provide information that the number of migrants arriving in the UK crossing the Channel by small boats for the months of January to March 2020 is approx. 450.  These are provisional figures based on operational management information. The figures for April have not passed through a data quality check and cannot be assured. The final figures for all months will be published at a later date, once they have been verified and fully quality assured.Interceptions of migrants at sea is carried by UK and French authorities, migrants will be taken to the appropriate country determined by the interception’s location in territorial waters. In April 2020 more than 500 migrants have been stopped from getting to the UK using a small boat. This includes French law enforcement at sea, on beaches and on the inland roads network. The UK continues to work closely with France and other countries to return migrants who have entered the UK by small boat in order to provide a strong deterrent against these dangerous crossings. Since January 2019, over 155 people who entered the UK illegally on small boats have been returned to Europe. However, as a result of COVID-19 the vast majority of EU member states have temporarily paused accepting returns under the Dublin Regulations, but we are tracking those individuals and where appropriate will seek to return them when routes are available. The Home Secretary together with her French counterpart have reaffirmed their shared commitment to end the crossings and have put forward new measures and approaches to tackling the issue – looking again at ways to return more migrants to France.

Overseas Aid

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how much her Department spent that was classified as Official Development Assistance in each of the last five years, and what the (a) individual projects or (b) budget headings were for that spending.

Chris Philp: The Departments Official Development Assistance spend in each of the last two years is published at https://devtracker.dfid.gov.uk/department/HO we have recently updated that to include spend dating back to 2015/2016. It may take until June 12 for the update to be reflected on the website.

Migration

Stuart C McDonald: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent assessment she has made of the effect of her proposed future immigration policy on net international migration to (a) the UK and (b) each of the devolved nations.

Kevin Foster: The effect of the proposed future immigration policy on net migration to the UK and impact on inflows to regions and devolved nations has been assessed in the corresponding Impact Assessment (IA) for the Immigration and Social Security Co-ordination (EU Withdrawal) Bill. This analysis does not account for the impact of COVID-19. The published IA can be found here:https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/885682/2020-05-18_IA_ImmSSC_Billl_v21_with_Signature.pdf

Immigration: Coronavirus

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 4 May 2020 to Question 40514, what steps she is taking to bring forward legislative proposals to categorise being stranded abroad during the covid-19 pandemic as a serious or compelling circumstance for the purpose of calculating continuous residence in the UK for eligibility to apply for indefinite leave to remain.

Kevin Foster: As set out in my answer of 4 May, the published guidance already confirms applicants may exceed the 180 days in the event of serious or compelling circumstances. This would include travel disruption caused by the covid-19 pandemic.A full list of categories covered by this exemption is available at www.gov.uk/government/publications/indefinite-leave-to-remain-calculating-continuous-period-in-uk

Immigrants: Detainees

Nadia Whittome: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many people were detained in immigration detention centres as of 21 May 2020; and for what reasons each of those people has not been released.

Chris Philp: Immigration Enforcement is responding to the unique circumstances of the coronavirus outbreak and following the latest guidance from Public Health England. We continue to remove people through available commercial routes. Statistics relating to COVID-19 and the immigration system can be viewed by accessing the following link. The Home Office also publish quarterly statistics on the numbers of individuals detained under immigration powers. This data can be found by accessing the following link. All decisions to detain or release are taken on the basis of a careful consideration of the facts of each case. Factors arguing in favour of detention include the risk of harm to the public presented by the individual concerned and the risk of absconding. Ultimately, the Home Office detains individuals to facilitate their deportation from the UK.

Passengers: Coronavirus

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, with reference to immigration statistics published by her Department on 21 May 2020 showing that in January to March 2020 there were an estimated 23.7 million passenger arrivals at the UK Border (including returning UK residents), how many of those arrivals arrived after (a) 13 March 2020 and (b) 23 March 2020 by (i) method of arrival and (ii) origination of their journey.

Chris Philp: On 28 May 2020, the Home Office published additional statistics relating to Covid-19 and the immigration system here. This contains information on the impact of COVID-19 on passenger arrivals, and includes data on the number of passengers arriving in the UK by air routes only. The Home Office is due to publish the next quarterly Immigration Statistics on 27 August 2020. Information on future Home Office statistical release dates can be found in the ‘Research and statistics calendar’.

Undocumented Migrants: English Channel

Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what (a) instructions and (b) procedures respectively have been (i) issued to UK Border Force vessels, and (ii) agreed between the UK Border Force and the French authorities, for the safe handover of overloaded inflatables containing illegal immigrants by French escorting vessels to British vessels once they enter UK territorial waters; and whether any representations have been made to the French Government that such journeys should be impeded while still within French territorial waters.

Chris Philp: Border Force vessels covering the South East Channel are usually tasked to identified migrant events by the Coastguard, with the priority being search and rescue and the safety of life. BF work closely with the Coastguard and French Authorities to ensure we provide an effective response to migrant events at sea. Migrants undertaking these dangerous journey’s in unsuitable and overloaded small boats are putting the lives of themselves and others at considerable risk and the priority at sea for all assets deployed is safety. At sea, under international law, the preservation of life is paramount. In some cases, French boats will remain with migrants if they refuse rescue. But we are clear no-one should be crossing at all and we are developing plans to re-form policies and laws to help to stop these crossings completely.

Deportation: EU Nationals

Helen Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many nationals of EU Members States have been deported from the UK in each financial year since 2016-17.

Chris Philp: The Home Office publishes data on returns from the UK in the ‘Immigration Statistics Quarterly Release’. Data on the number of returns, by year, nationality and type of return are published in table Ret_D01 within the returns detailed dataset. The term 'deportations' refers to a legally-defined subset of returns which are enforced either following a criminal conviction or when it is judged that a person’s removal from the UK is conducive to the public good. Information on those deported is not separately available and therefore the published statistics refer to all enforced returns. Additionally, the Home Office publishes a high-level overview of the data in the ‘Summary tables’, available from the above link. The ‘contents’ sheet contains an overview of all available data on returns. The latest data relates to the year ending March 2020. Information on future Home Office statistical release dates can be found in the ‘Research and statistics calendar’.

Immigrants: Health Services

Alison Thewliss: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of to Question 45288 and with reference to the Government's announcement on the Immigration Health Surcharge, whether people working in health and social care who have already paid that surcharge will be refunded on backdated basis.

Kevin Foster: The Prime Minister has asked the Home Secretary and the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to work together to exempt overseas NHS and care staff from the Immigration Health Surcharge.Home Office and Department of Health and Social Care officials are currently working on how to implement this and further details will be announced in due course.

British National (Overseas): Passports

Neil O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many people hold valid British National Overseas passports.

Kevin Foster: The number of valid British National (Overseas) passports in circulation as at 17th April 2020 was 357,156.

Immigration: Detention Centres

Alison Thewliss: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the monthly cost is of running each immigration removal centre.

Chris Philp: The Costs of individual Removal centres are commercially sensitive. The department publishes data setting out the average daily cost of all removal centres, which are calculated as below. For the most recent period published, the total average monthly cost of all centres was £9.16m (monthly cost per bed multiplied by the number of bed spaces) The costs are derived at by dividing the Total Resource Costs of running Detention Centres (Contracts, staff, Rent, Rates, Utilities and Depreciation) by the average number of bed spaces (currently 3185).The average cost to detain an individual in immigration detention is provided on a per day basis. The current daily cost per detainee is £94.56, which corresponds to an annual cost of £34,514 (£94.56 multiplied by 365 days) and monthly £2876 (£34,514 divided by 12 months). Data can be found at the link below.https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/immigration-enforcement-data-february-2020

Migrant Workers: Seasonal Workers

Stephen Timms: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of adding fruit picking to the Shortage Occupation List; and if she will make a statement.

Kevin Foster: The Shortage Occupation Lists (SOL) are set on the advice of the independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC). The MAC is currently conducting a review of the SOL with particular reference to jobs which are at RQF levels 3-5 (A-level and above).

British Nationals Abroad: Passports

Olivia Blake: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if the Government will make an assessment of the potential merits of temporarily extending passports for UK citizens overseas who are unable to return safely to the UK before their passports need to be renewed as a result of the covid-19 pandemic.

Kevin Foster: Since 10 April, foreign governments have been engaged regarding the acceptance of British passports which expired on or after 1 January 2020, or which have less than six months validity remaining, as evidence of the holder’s British nationality until 31 December 2021. The countries where this will apply will be published in due course.Where a British passport holder living overseas needs to travel and is unable to renew their passport due to Covid-19, they will need to apply for an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) through the existing route.

Undocumented Migrants: English Channel

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make an assessment of the accuracy of recent reports of French naval vessels escorting illegal immigrants into British waters where those immigrants have been picked up by UK Border Force officials.

Chris Philp: Border Force vessels covering the South East Channel are usually tasked to identify migrant events by the Coastguard, with the priority being search and rescue and the safety of life. Border Force work closely with the Coastguard and French Authorities to ensure we provide an effective response to migrant events at sea. Migrants undertaking these dangerous journey’s in unsuitable and overloaded small boats are putting the lives of themselves and others at considerable risk and the priority at sea for all assets deployed is safety. At sea, under international law, the preservation of life is paramount. In some cases, French boats will remain with migrants if they refuse rescue. But we are clear no-one should be crossing at all and we are developing plans to reform policies and laws to help to stop these crossings completely.

Immigrants: Health Services

Brendan O'Hara: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether the Immigration Health Surcharge exemption will extend to international volunteers from other countries working in (a) Camphill communities and (b) other health and social care settings under the Tier 5 arrangements.

Kevin Foster: The Prime Minister has asked the Home Secretary and the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to work together to exempt overseas NHS and care staff from the Immigration Health Surcharge.The Home Office and the Department of Health and Social Care officials are currently working on how to implement this and further details will be announced in due course.

Immigrants: Health Services

Brendan O'Hara: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether the Immigration Health Surcharge exemption will extend to people from other countries who are (a) applying and (b) plan to apply for visas under the Tier 5 arrangements to work as volunteers in (i) Camphill communities and (ii) other health and social care settings.

Kevin Foster: The Prime Minister has asked the Home Secretary and the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care to work together to exempt overseas NHS and care staff from the Immigration Health Surcharge.The Home Office and the Department of Health and Social Care officials are currently working on how to implement this and further details will be announced in due course.

Children: Separated People

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment he has made of the potential merits on exempting children in a joint custody arrangement with one parent overseas from self-isolating for 14 days after arriving back in the UK.

Kevin Foster: Where children travel into the UK and need to move between parents’ UK homes as part of a shared custody agreement, this is permitted as long as they continue to self-isolate. In all other cases everyone bar a short list of exempted people arriving into the UK should self-isolate in their accommodation for 14 days.

Members: Correspondence

David Linden: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when she plans to respond to the letter of 12 May 2020 from Councillor Jennifer Layden and all hon. Members representing Glasgow constituencies.

Chris Philp: The UKVI service standard for providing a response is currently 20 working days. The correspondence from Councillor Jennifer Layden was received on 12 May 2020 and a full response will be sent by 10th June 2020.

Visas: New Businesses

Hywel Williams: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, for what reason time when employees are furloughed does not count towards the 12 month period for the purposes of Tier 1 entrepreneur visa despite employees being considered as employed during furlough; and if she will take steps to change that policy and ensure that the period of furlough does count towards meeting the conditions of the visa.

Kevin Foster: To extend leave or apply for settlement, Tier 1 Entrepreneurs must demonstrate they are undertaking ongoing business activity. The Covid-19 pandemic has caused disruption to many businesses and in light of this a number of Tier 1 Entrepreneur requirements have been relaxed to make sure applicants are able to remain in the UK. Ordinarily, applicants must show they have created jobs for at least two people for 12 consecutive months. They will be allowed to include non-consecutive periods, as well as amalgamate multiple jobs to make the equivalent of two full time employees. For those applicants who are still unable to meet these requirements before the expiry of their visa, the Government will allow more time to qualify via temporary extensions of leave. The Government continue to keep policies under review to ensure individuals, including those on a Tier 1 Entrepreneur visa, do not suffer any detriment as a result of this pandemic.

British Nationality: Ceremonies

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of holding virtual citizenship ceremonies during the covid-19 outbreak.

Kevin Foster: We are considering the impacts of current social distancing measures on the delivery of citizenship ceremonies and what options are available.

Northern Ireland Office

Terrorism: Northern Ireland

Sir Jeffrey M Donaldson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequor on the funding of a Payments Scheme for Victims and Survivors in Northern Ireland.

Mr Robin Walker: The UK Government’s position has always been that the Victims Payment Scheme - which we legislated for in line with commitments placed on it by the Northern Ireland (EF) Act 2019 - should be funded from the NI Executive budget. The Executive committed to delivering such a scheme 6 years ago, so it is right that they fund these provisions as a priority for the benefit of all victims who have waited for this too long already. The UK Government is providing £2 billion of additional financial support as part of the New Decade, New Approach agreement. It is open to the Executive to raise broader budgetary pressures with the Government; but it has received generous allocations and should now make funding available.

Abortion: Northern Ireland

Stella Creasy: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to the Answer of 18 May 2020 to Question 46639, on Abortion: Northern Ireland, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of exercising his powers under section 26 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 to direct the Department of Health in Northern Ireland to commission services to comply with section 9 of the Northern Ireland Executive Formation Act 2019.

Mr Robin Walker: In accordance with section 9 of the Northern Ireland (Executive Formation etc.) Act 2019, regulations are now in place to make provision for accessing abortions in Northern Ireland. The duty to implement the CEDAW recommendations under section 9 of the NIEF Act is a matter of domestic, not international, law. Therefore we have not yet considered making an assessment of exercising powers under section 26 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. We hope that longer term services can be commissioned as soon as possible in Northern Ireland, consistent with the Regulations and we will continue to work with them to achieve this.

Treasury

UK Shared Prosperity Fund: Wales

Chris Elmore: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Wales on using the Shared Prosperity Fund to support Wales in responding to the covid-19 outbreak.

Steve Barclay: The Chancellor discusses matters of importance to the Welsh economy with the Secretary of State for Wales and Cabinet on a regular basis. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund will be used to bind together the whole of the United Kingdom, tackling inequality and deprivation in each of our four nations. It will replace the overly bureaucratic EU Structural Funds, and not only be better targeted at the UK’s specific needs, but will match the size of those funds in each nation.

Public Works Loan Board

Stephen Flynn: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate he has made of the PWLB principal and debt repayments for local authorities in the 2020-21 financial year.

Stephen Flynn: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what estimate he has made of the total PWLB  principal and debt repayments for local authorities in Scotland in the 2020-21 financial year.

John Glen: The following table details expected Public Works Loan Board (PWLB) repayments in 2020-21 to the nearest £ million, for all UK local authorities and for Scottish local authorities only.  PrincipalInterestTotalUK£2,700 million£3,080 million£5,779 milliono/w Scotland£372 million£421 million£793 million Most PWLB loans are structured as maturity loans so that local authorities repay no principal in any given year.

Self-employed: Coronavirus

Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will ensure that the earnings limit set for the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme is consistent with Government financial support for employees who earn more than £50,000 per annum; and if he will make it his policy to introduce a capped grant of up to £2,500 per month to for self-employed people during the covid-19 outbreak.

Theresa Villiers: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, for what reason the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme has a maximum income cut-off of £50,000 while the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme does not.

Jesse Norman: The different designs of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) and the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) reflect their different objectives. The CJRS is designed to prevent employers making staff redundant, whereas the SEISS is designed to support the incomes of those self-employed individuals whose businesses are adversely affected by COVID-19. Individuals can at present claim a taxable grant under the SEISS worth 80 per cent of their average monthly trading profits, paid out in a single instalment covering three months’ worth of profits, and capped at £7,500 in total. The extension of the SEISS announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 29 May 2020 means that eligible individuals whose businesses are adversely affected by COVID-19 will be able to claim a second and final grant when the scheme reopens for applications in August. This will be a taxable grant worth 70 per cent of their average monthly trading profits, paid out in a single instalment covering three months’ worth of profits, and capped at £6,570 in total. The SEISS, including the £50,000 threshold for average trading profits, is targeted at those who most need it, and who are most reliant on their self-employment income. The self-employed are very diverse and have a wide mix of turnover and profits, with monthly and annual variations even in normal times, and in some cases with substantial alternative forms of income too: for example, those who had more than £50,000 from trading profits in 2017-18 had an average total income of more than £200,000. Some 95 per cent of those with more than half their income from self-employment in 2018-19 could be eligible for this scheme. Those with average trading profits above £50,000 may still be eligible for other elements of the unprecedented financial support package made available by the Government. These measures include Bounce Back loans, tax deferrals, rental support, increased levels of Universal Credit, mortgage holidays, and other business support grants.

Self-employment Income Support Scheme

Alison McGovern: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps the Government has taken to provide guidance to membership organisations on how to use the online tool for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme.

Jesse Norman: HMRC recognise the important role membership organisations play in helping the public, and engaged closely with them while developing and launching the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS). While agents, employers and other third parties cannot apply on behalf of eligible individuals, HMRC discussed the process with representative organisations through regular meetings and signposted agents to live webinars and online videos available to help the public understand how to apply for SEISS.

Self-employment Income Support Scheme: Northern Ireland

Alison McGovern: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, for what reason people in Northern Ireland applying for the Self Employment Income Support Scheme are required to undergo additional credit checks after providing Northern Irish driving licenses and Irish passports.

Jesse Norman: Everyone applying for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) undergoes the same process for confirming their identity. People who have engaged with HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) online in the past using an existing Government Gateway credential – for example, in order to file their Self-Assessment tax return – can reuse their existing online Government Gateway credentials to claim the grant. Most people who are eligible to claim have credentials already. Those dealing with HMRC online for the first time will be required to verify their identity. HMRC worked quickly with the Driving and Vehicle Licencing Agency to enable people to use a GB driving licence to verify their identity for SEISS. It has not been possible to add non-UK passports or non-GB driving licences to the Government Gateway authentication service in the same timeline. HMRC are currently exploring whether it is possible to connect to Northern Ireland Driver & Vehicle Agency (DVA) and Irish Passport Service data, as part of their continuing improvement of the Government Gateway. Those who do not have a UK passport or GB driving licence can use the multiple-choice questions option to verify their identity. This uses a financial checking service that does not require a passport or driving licence. Anyone who is unable to verify their identity in this way can make their claim by telephone.

Self-employed: Coronavirus

Ben Lake: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of (a) introducing a second phase of the Self Employed Income Support Scheme to align with the timescale of the Coronaviurs Job Retention Scheme and (b) introducing a further package of economic support for the self-employed.

Jesse Norman: The Chancellor of the Exchequer announced an extension of the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme on 29 May and eligible individuals may now qualify for a second and final grant. This means the UK continues to have one of the most generous self-employed COVID-19 support schemes in the world as the economy reopens. The extension of the SEISS now means that eligible individuals whose businesses are adversely affected by COVID-19 will be able to claim a second and final grant when the scheme reopens for applications in August. This will be a taxable grant worth 70 per cent of their average monthly trading profits, paid out in a single instalment covering three months’ worth of profits, and capped at £6,570 in total. This is in line with changes to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme as the economy reopens, and the eligibility criteria remain the same for this final grant. An individual does not need to have claimed the first grant to receive the second grant: for example, they may only have been adversely affected by coronavirus in this later phase. The SEISS is one element of a comprehensive package of Government support for individuals and businesses, including the self-employed. This package includes Bounce Back loans, tax deferrals, rental support, increased levels of Universal Credit, mortgage holidays, and other business support grants. More information about the full range of business support measures is available at www.gov.uk/government/collections/financial-support-for-businesses-during-coronavirus-covid-19.

Self-employment Income Support Scheme

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 28 April 2020 to Question 37714 on the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme, what steps his Department is taking to address the disparity in financial support for self-employed women who have received maternity allowance in the last three years.

Jesse Norman: The Self-Employed Income Support Scheme has been designed to deliver support as quickly and effectively as possible to millions of individuals. The Government understands the challenges faced by those with periods of maternity leave and the existing averaging calculation does account for periods of reduced profits for any reason, which all self-employed individuals may experience.

Terrorism: Northern Ireland

Sir Jeffrey M Donaldson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent discussions he has had with the Northern Ireland Executive about funding for the troubles-related Victims Payment Scheme as set out in the New Decade New Approach Agreement.

Steve Barclay: I welcome the restoration of the Northern Ireland Executive. The UK Government is providing £2 billion of financial support to the re-formed Executive as part of the New Decade, New Approach Agreement to transform public services and address Northern Ireland’s unique circumstances. The responsibility for the Troubles-related incident victims payment scheme sits with the Northern Ireland Executive.

Self-employment Income Support Scheme: Maternity Leave

Alex Davies-Jones: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what equality impact assessment his Department made before making the decision not include periods of maternity leave in the monthly payment calculations for the Self Employment Income Support Scheme; and if he will publish that assessment.

Jesse Norman: HMT takes care to pay due regard to the equality impacts of its policy decisions relating to the Covid-19 outbreak, including the equality impacts of the Self Employment Income Support Scheme, in line with all legal requirements and the Government’s commitment to promoting equality.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Mr Steve Baker: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment he has made of the income forgone by furloughed workers who usually receive tronc payments through formal PAYE payrolls; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Steve Baker: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, for what reasons he has not amended the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to compensate furloughed workers for tronc payments through formal PAYE payrolls for which HMRC has RTI data; and if he will make a statement.

Jesse Norman: The objective of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJR) is to help employers whose operations have been severely affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) to retain their employees and protect the UK economy. To achieve this, the grants compensate employers for the payments that they are obliged to make in order to avoid the need for redundancies. Covering discretionary payments would go beyond the objectives of the scheme. Therefore, where tronc payments are non-discretionary, they are included when calculating payments for the purpose of the CJRS. Where tronc payments are made at the discretion of the employer or a client, they cannot be included when calculating payments for the purpose of the CJRS.

Self-employment Income Support Scheme

Carol Monaghan: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he would make a change in the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme regulations to allow the 2019-20 tax year results to be used in calculations for payments made under that scheme.

Jesse Norman: It has not been possible to include those who began trading after the 2018-19 tax year in the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme. This was a very difficult decision and it was taken for practical reasons. It is correct that individuals can now submit Income Tax Self Assessment returns for 2019-20, but there would be significant risks for the public purse if the Government relied on these returns for the scheme. HMRC would not be able to distinguish genuine self-employed individuals who started trading in 2019-20 from fake applications by fraudulent operators and organised criminal gangs seeking to exploit the SEISS. The Government cannot expose the tax system to these risks. The Chancellor of the Exchequer has said there will be no further extension or changes to the SEISS. However, the newly self-employed may still be eligible for other financial support provided by the Government. The SEISS is one element of a comprehensive package of support for individuals and businesses, including the newly self-employed. This package includes Bounce Back loans, tax deferrals, rental support, increased levels of Universal Credit, mortgage holidays, and other business support grants. More information about the full range of business support measures is available at: www.gov.uk/government/collections/financial-support-for-businesses-during-coronavirus-covid-19.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Stephen McPartland: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what plans he has to allow people who are paid annually but their RTI was submitted after the 19 March for the 2019-20 tax year eligibility to access the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

Jesse Norman: For an employee to be eligible for the CJRS, the employee must have been notified to HMRC on a real-time information (RTI) submission on or before 19 March. Those paid annually are eligible to claim, as long as they meet the relevant conditions, including being notified to HMRC on an RTI submission on or before 19 March 2020 which relates to a payment of earnings in the 2019/20 tax year.  Anyone paid annually and notified on an RTI submission after that date will not be eligible for the scheme. This position also applies to those who are paid more frequently and were not notified to HMRC on or before 19 March. The 19 March date allows as many people as possible to be included by going right up to the day before the announcement, and mitigates the risk of fraud that exists as soon as the scheme became public.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: Aviation

Henry Smith: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of extending the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to the aviation sector beyond the low season into 2021.

Nadia Whittome: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he has plans to continue the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme for the (a) hospitality and (b) leisure sectors while covid-19 social distancing measures affect businesses in those sectors.

Jesse Norman: The CJRS will close at the end of October, after eight months. It is the case that some firms will be affected by coronavirus for longer than others, and the Government will seek to support these firms appropriately. It would be challenging to target the CJRS to specific sectors in a fair and deliverable way, and that may not be the most effective or sensible way to provide longer term support for those sectors most affected by coronavirus. The Government will continue to engage with businesses and representative groups, with the aim of ensuring that support provided is right for these sectors and for the economy as a whole.

PAYE

Kirsten Oswald: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to the Answer of 12 May 2020 to Question 41968, how many annual PAYE reports were submitted between 19 March 2020 and the end of that tax year, and how many of those reports were submitted on behalf of taxpayers whose PAYE report had also been submitted on an annual basis for the 2018-19 tax year.

Jesse Norman: It is not possible to provide an answer in the time available.

Interest Rates

Sir Desmond Swayne: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make it his policy to limit the interest rates charged by financial institutions; and if he will make a statement.

John Glen: HM Treasury has worked closely with the financial regulators and the major banks and building societies to provide relief to customers and businesses impacted by COVID-19. In March, a three-month mortgage holiday was made available to customers, and 1.8 million mortgage payment holidays have been granted by lenders to date. The period in which borrowers can apply for a payment holiday has been extended, in line with the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, to 31 October 2020. In April, the FCA also announced a series of temporary measures intended to provide emergency support for consumers who are facing temporary cash flow problems as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. These measures included three-month payment freezes to credit cards and certain personal loans. On overdrafts, firms are required to provide a £500 interest-free buffer on main personal accounts and also to ensure that no customer is paying more than they were prior to the other recent overdraft pricing changes that came into force in April following an earlier FCA review. For the Bounce Back Loan Scheme, an affordable flat interest rate after the first 12-month period has been agreed between the Government and lenders at 2.5%. This reflects the Government’s desire to balance a low price point for businesses with providing sufficient access to businesses through a range of banks. This will help ensure that UK businesses can access and benefit from these loans quickly and effectively. All providers should stand ready and able to offer support to customers who are impacted directly or indirectly by COVID-19. We advise any customer who is concerned about their finances to contact their provider.

Aviation: Coronavirus

Maria Eagle: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many meetings Ministers of his Department have had in the last three months with representatives of the aviation industry on tackling the covid-19 outbreak.

Maria Eagle: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many meetings Ministers of his Department have had with representatives of UK airports since the start covid-19 outbreak; and what the frequency of those meetings were.

Angus Brendan MacNeil: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many meetings Ministers in his Department have had with representatives of the aviation industry on the covid-19 outbreak in each of the last three months.

Angus Brendan MacNeil: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how often Ministers in his Department have held discussions with representatives from UK airports since the start of the covid-19 outbreak.

Jim Shannon: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many meetings Ministers in his Department have had with representatives from the aviation industry on the covid-19 pandemic in the last three months.

Jim Shannon: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, on how many occasions Ministers in his Department have held meetings with representatives from UK airports since the start of the covid-19 outbreak.

Kemi Badenoch: Treasury Ministers and officials meet with a wide range of stakeholders across sectors as part of ongoing policy development and implementation. Ministers and officials from the Department for Transport are in regular contact with airlines, airports and unions to understand the impact that COVID-19 is having on the sector and its workers.

Industrial Health and Safety: Coronavirus

Barbara Keeley: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what guidance the Government has published on whether pregnant women can remain on furlough once their workplace has reopened; and if he will make a statement.

Jesse Norman: Pregnant women have always been eligible for furlough and the return to the workplace does not affect this. To enable the introduction of flexible furloughing and support those already on furlough back to work, the scheme will close to new entrants on 30 June. The last three-week furloughs before that deadline will begin on 10 June.

Insurance: Coronavirus

Mr Stephen Morgan: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has of made of trends in the number of insurance companies that are failing to make payments for covid-19 claims despite those claims being covered by original insurance agreements.

John Glen: The Government is in continual dialogue with the insurance sector to understand and influence its response to this unprecedented situation and is encouraging insurers to do all they can to support customers during this difficult period. The Government is working closely with the Financial Conduct Authority to ensure that the rules are being upheld during this crisis and fully supports the regulator in its role. The FCA rules require insurers to handle claims fairly and promptly; provide reasonable guidance to help a policyholder make a claim; not reject a claim unreasonably; and settle claims promptly once settlement terms are agreed. In addition, the FCA has said that, in light of COVID-19, insurers must consider very carefully the needs of their customers and show flexibility in their treatment of them. On 1 May the FCA outlined its intention to seek a court declaration, on an agreed and urgent basis, and for a selected number of key issues, to resolve uncertainty for many customers making business interruption claims. Subsequently on 1 June, the FCA announced the policy wordings that would be tested in the court action and insurers it had invited to participate directly, along with an initial list of policy wordings and insurers that will potentially be impacted by the Court’s decision on the representative sample. The FCA expects to publish a final list of all the relevant insurers and policies that may have impacted wordings in early July, and expects a court hearing to take place in late July.

Self-employment Income Support Scheme: Foreign Nationals

Dame Margaret Hodge: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps have been taken to limit the use of the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme by foreign nationals who meet the criteria for that scheme but have since returned to their home country.

Jesse Norman: To be eligible for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) a person must have traded and be subject to UK tax in 2018/19, 2019/20 and intend to continue to do so in 2020/21. As part of the application process, therefore, a person must confirm that they do intend to continue to trade. The Government expects self-employed people to do the right thing and not to make a claim unless they are eligible. HMRC will use their usual risk-based approach to compliance, and they will take action in cases of suspected fraud or organised criminal attack.

Members: Correspondence

Patrick Grady: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he plans to respond to the letter of 24 April 2020 from the seven hon. Members that represent constituencies in Glasgow on support for universities affected by the covid-19 outbreak.

Patrick Grady: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he plans to respond to the letter of 27 April 2020 from the hon. Member for Glasgow North, reference number PG15145, on the Coronavirus Business Interuption Loan Scheme.

Patrick Grady: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he plans to respond to the letter of 6 April 2020 from the hon. Member for Glasgow North, reference number PG15057, on support for people working in the creative sectors during the covid-19 outbreak.

Carol Monaghan: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he plans to respond to the letter from the hon. Member for Glasgow North West constituency of 1 April 2020 in relation to support for the self-employed, temporary and freelance workers.

Carol Monaghan: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he plans to respond to the letter of 6 April 2020 from the hon. Member for Glasgow North West on access to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme for new employees.

Carol Monaghan: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, when he plans to respond to the letter of 24 April 2020 from the hon. Member for Glasgow North West on umbrella employment and the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

Kemi Badenoch: HM Treasury has received unprecedented amounts of correspondence since the start of the coronavirus outbreak, and apologises for the delay in responding to the Honourable Member. The Honourable Members’ correspondence is receiving attention and will be replied to as soon as possible.

Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund and Small Business Grants Fund

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussion he has had with local authorities on the level of residual funding from the (a) Small Business Grant Fund and (b) Retail and Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund; and if he will make it his policy to allow any underspend to be allocated by local authorities on the same terms as the Discretionary Grants Fund.

Lloyd Russell-Moyle: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of allowing surplus money in local authority Business Grants Funds to be spent as part of their Discretionary Fund.

Kemi Badenoch: As of 31 May, over £10 billion of Small Business Grants and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grants had been paid to over 819,000 business premises. We encourage Local Authorities to make remaining payments to eligible businesses as quickly as possible. We used the best data we had available when allocating grant funding to Local Authorities, however it has since become apparent that in some cases these original allocations were based on imperfect information regarding the number of eligible businesses. Some Local Authorities have an over-allocation of funding, whereas others do not. Therefore, allowing Local Authorities to use their own underspends from the grant schemes to give further discretionary grants would create unfair local disparities in the level of support provided to businesses. The Government is aware that some small businesses have found themselves excluded from the Small Business Grant Fund and the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund because of the way they interact with the business rates system. That is why the Government has allocated up to an additional £617 million to Local Authorities to enable them to give discretionary grants to businesses in this situation. Local Authorities are in the process of setting up their discretionary schemes, and we expect many Local Authorities to launch these schemes in the coming weeks. The Government continues to review the economic situation and consider what support businesses and other organisations need.

Mortgages

Tracey Crouch: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the effect of the modified affordability assessment on the number of mortgage prisoners unable to access new mortgage products.

Tracey Crouch: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent discussions he has had with UK Finance on its members using the modified affordability assessment for mortgage prisoners.

John Glen: The Government remains committed to supporting these borrowers, which is why the Government and the FCA have taken action to remove the regulatory barriers that previously prevented switching. Lenders are currently making the necessary adjustments and system changes to enable them to use the modified affordability assessment for borrowers looking to re-mortgage. We expect lenders to start offering these borrowers products using the new rules soon. I have written to Stephen Jones, Chief Executive Officer of UK Finance outlining my expectation that as many of its members as possible should move quickly to offer new deals to borrowers that are eligible to switch under the new FCA rules. You can read the letter here:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/a-letter-from-john-glen-to-stephen-jones-on-mortgage-prisoners.

Minimum Wage

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many complaints were referred to HMRC from (a) ACAS, (b) Citizens Advice and (c) individuals relating to workers being unpaid or paid less than the National Minimum Wage for internship roles in each year since 2015; how many of those complaints were investigated by HMRC; and how many of those complaints resulted in a prosecution against an employer.

Jesse Norman: Everyone who is entitled to the National Minimum Wage (NMW) should receive it. All businesses, irrespective of size or business sector, are responsible for paying the correct minimum wage to their staff. HMRC investigate all complaints from workers; and if anyone thinks they are not receiving at least the minimum wage they can contact Acas, in confidence, on 0300 123 1100 or via the online complaints form using the link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pay-and-work-rights-complaints . HMRC also promote NMW compliance by engaging workers and employers to raise awareness of their rights and obligations. For internships, HMRC routinely contact employers who advertise these roles, signposting them to NMW guidance to help ensure they are compliant at the outset. Since 2015-16, HMRC has received 152 National Minimum Wage complaints from workers undertaking internships. YearACASOther Direct*Citizens AdviceTotal intern complaints2015-2016**1100112016-201717130302017-201812230352018-201911240352019-20201625041*Other Direct complaints are all those which have come through a route other than ACAS, i.e. the online complaints form, email or letter**Data is not held to allow the complaint channel to be identified for 2015/16, and all have been recorded as ACAS. Prosecution applies to the most serious non-compliance, and since 2007 HMRC investigations have led to 15 successful prosecutions of employers for NMW related offences. There have been no prosecutions relating to internship cases.

Wonga

Zarah Sultana: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many claims for refunds from Wonga customers who were mis-sold higher risk loans remain outstanding; and if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of providing support from the public purse to those customers who only received 4.3 per cent of the compensation due to them.

John Glen: When a firm enters administration, assets are pooled and used to cover customer redress claims and administration costs. In the case of Wonga, the pooled assets are not sufficient to meet all of the redress claims. The administrator, Grant Thornton UK LLP, is therefore unable to pay out 100% of these claims and must address claims in order of the creditor hierarchy. The number of redress claims and the amounts due in the case of Wonga is a matter for the administrators.The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), who regulate payday loans, has the power to decide which activities are given Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) protection. In 2016, the FCA decided not to extend FSCS protection to most consumer credit activities because it believed other regulatory requirements were sufficient. The full reasoning behind the FCA’s decision is set out in a letter from their Chief Executive to the Chair of the Treasury Select Committee on 15 February 2019.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether he plans to extend the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to employees that cannot work as a result of grandparents being unable to provide their usual childcare during the covid-19 lockdown.

Jesse Norman: Furloughing is a decision for employers, requiring the consent of the employee. If employees are unable to work (including from home), due to caring responsibilities arising from coronavirus, then they should speak to their employer about whether they plan to place staff on furlough. From the week commencing 1 June, the Government is asking nurseries and other early year providers, including childminders, to begin welcoming back all children, and asking primary schools and alternative provision to welcome back children in nursery, reception, year 1 and year 6. Temporary measures to support parents with childcare costs in response to COVID-19 have been put in place, to restore entitlement to parents who would normally be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare and/or 30 hours free childcare, but whose circumstances have changed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Press: Coronavirus

Jane Stevenson: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what plans he has to provide support to (a) local newspapers and (b) community magazines during the covid-19 outbreak.

Kemi Badenoch: The Government recognises the important role that media organisations, including newspapers, play at a national and local level in ensuring the provision of trusted, high quality information. On 30 April the Government announced that the Cabinet Office would spend up to £35m from April to June to place Covid-19 public health messages in local and national newspapers. This advertising partnership with UK media titles leverages the familiar voices of over 600 national, regional and local titles across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The Cabinet Office is consistently tracking and reviewing spending on the campaign to ensure efficiency and that the appropriate communications strategy is implemented. In response to the coronavirus outbreak, the Government has also brought forward the introduction of the zero rate of VAT on e-publications to 1 May 2020, seven months ahead of schedule. This measure will help to reduce the cost of access to online publications.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Drew Hendry: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of taking steps within the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme to provide ongoing support for people who are shielding and who may not be able to transition into additional work activities as wider covid-19 lockdown restrictions are eased for other workers.

Paul Girvan: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of requiring employers to offer furlough to employees who have been instructed to shield during the covid-19 outbreak.

Jesse Norman: The Government has set out an unprecedented package of financial support to help the country through the coronavirus pandemic, including the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme and Statutory Sick Pay. The CJRS will run until the end of October and the Government is working to ensure those who are shielders can access the financial assistance that they need. While there is no obligation for employers to place staff on furlough, the Government encourages all firms affected by coronavirus to treat their employees fairly and carefully. Employees who are unable to work because they are shielding in line with public health guidance (or need to stay home with someone who is shielding) can be furloughed. Those who are shielding in line with public health guidance, or are required to stay home due to an individual in their household shielding and are unable to work from home, should speak to their employer about whether they plan to place staff on furlough.

Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme: Voluntary Work

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether an employee of a business who volunteers for a charity as part of that company's corporate social responsibility scheme can continue to undertake that voluntary work while furloughed.

Jesse Norman: Employees can volunteer when on furlough, subject to public health guidance, so long as they are not making money for their employer or any organisation linked or associated with their association; or providing services to their employer or any organisation linked or associated with their association. Further guidance for employees can be found online at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-if-you-could-be-covered-by-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme.

Public Works Loan Board: Northern Ireland

Mr Gregory Campbell: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he make an assessment of the potential merits of extending the remit of the Public Works Loan Board to include local councils in Northern Ireland.

John Glen: The Public Works Loan Board provides loans at lower than market rates for capital expenditure to local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales. The Local Government Finance Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 provides the legal basis which permits district councils to borrow and sets out the responsibilities of the council should they choose to do so. The Financial Provisions (Northern Ireland) Order 1983 is the legislation which underpins government lending from the Northern Ireland Consolidated Fund to local councils to support capital expenditure. This provides loans at lower than market rates for capital expenditure without extending the remit of the Public Works Loan Board to include local councils in Northern Ireland.

Revenue and Customs: Recruitment

Hywel Williams: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what target the Government has set for recruiting new HMRC customs agents by 1 January 2021; how many of those agents have been recruited as at 1 June 2020; how many of the 20,000 training courses have been applied for by (a) newly recruited agents and (b) current employees.

Layla Moran: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, how many new customs agents (a) have been trained and (b) are ready for deployment since 1 January 2020 in preparation for the end of the transition period with the EU.

Jesse Norman: HMRC do not employ customs agents/customs intermediaries directly. The UK has a well-established industry of customs intermediaries which serve British businesses trading outside the EU. The sector is varied and made up of a number of different business models including specific customs brokers, freight forwarders and fast parcel operators; all of which require differing numbers of staff. Government support of £34m has been designed to meet the needs of the sector flexibly to build capacity by covering training and IT innovation, as well as recruitment. This support has funded approximately 20,000 training courses in customs processes and procedures and the creation of a new UK Customs Academy to provide online training courses and industry-recognised qualifications. The sector is encouraged to innovate flexibly to meet demand and as such HMRC do not prescribe whether training support should be for existing or new staff.

Cash Dispensing: Coronavirus

Rosie Duffield: To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will instruct the Joint Authorities Cash Strategy Group to undertake a review of the effect of the covid-19 outbreak on access to cash.

John Glen: The Government recognises that cash is extremely important to individuals and businesses across the UK. That is why, at the March 2020 Budget, the Chancellor announced that the Government will bring forward legislation to protect access to cash. The Joint Authorities Cash Strategy (JACS) Group brings together HM Treasury, the Payment Systems Regulator, Financial Conduct Authority and Bank of England to ensure that the regulatory oversight and activity supports an end-to-end cash infrastructure that remains resilient, cost effective, sustainable and can meet the needs of users. The members of the Group continue to engage closely to monitor latest trends, including the impact of COVID-19. The Group will publish an update on its activities in due course.

Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport

Cultural Renewal Taskforce

Tracy Brabin: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, how often the Cultural Renewal Taskforce will meet.

Caroline Dinenage: As part of the Government’s roadmap for recovery from Covid-19, DCMS has launched the Cultural Renewal taskforce which will support plans for reopening across DCMS sectors. The Taskforce meets weekly and is supported by eight sector-specific Working Groups.

Charities: Government Assistance

Robert Halfon: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, how much of the Government's £750 million support package for charities has been allocated.

Mr John Whittingdale: The £750 million funding package announced by the Government on 8 April is to ensure charities providing frontline services to vulnerable people affected by the pandemic can continue their vital work. £360 million of this has been distributed to individual government departments based on evidence of service need. This includes £200 million to directly support hospices, which is being administered by the Department of Health and Social Care. Departments are using a range of approaches to allocating the remaining funding in order to meet identified needs quickly, including bidding processes and awarding funding directly. As applications are still open for several of the open funds, it is not possible to determine how much of this funding has been received by charities at this stage. £370 million has been allocated to support small and medium sized charities during the pandemic. This includes £60 million funding through the Barnett formula to support charities in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Of the £310 million to be spent in England, £200 million has been distributed to the National Lottery Community Fund to award grants through the Coronavirus Community Support Fund. Applications for this fund opened on 22 May. In addition, the Government is matching public donations to the BBC Big Night In. The first £20 million of match funding went to the National Emergencies Trust. The 47 local Community Foundations across the UK, including Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland will then provide grant funding to eligible organisations within their community. Further information on available funds and how to apply for them can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/financial-support-for-voluntary-community-and-social-enterprise-vcse-organisations-to-respond-to-coronavirus-covid-19.

Mobile Broadband: Infrastructure

Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment his Department has made of the effect of a high concentration of 2G, 3G, 4G and 5G equipment, including 20 metre masts on residential areas.

Matt Warman: The effects of installation of electronic communications equipment and infrastructure in residential areas are considered by local authority planning processes. DCMS does not have responsibility for undertaking these assessments. Local planning processes take into account or otherwise reflect relevant domestic and international health and safety standards. They also take into account impacts on the environment and communities. In the UK, planning is a devolved matter under each of the devolution settlements. Further information about the specific planning regimes applicable in each of the devolved administrations can be obtained from those administrations if required. There is no credible evidence of any negative health effects from the additional deployment of 5G equipment. Overall exposure levels are expected to remain well within international guidelines.

Mobile Broadband: Infrastructure

Steve McCabe: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what the average life lifespan is of (a) 2G, 3G and 4G equipment and (b) masts.

Matt Warman: The average lifespan for 2G, 3G and 4G equipment is typically eight years, with the lifespan of masts typically at least 20 years. Lifespans can, however, often last far longer as equipment parts are regularly upgraded and expanded depending on coverage and capacity needs, including upgrades to deliver a change from one generation of mobile technology to another, and as masts are inspected each year on health and safety grounds to ensure they continue to be fit for purpose.

Football Association Premier League: Burton on Trent

Kate Griffiths: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether he has held discussions with representatives from the (a) Football Association (FA) and (b) Premier League on using the FA's facilities at St Georges Park in Burton constituency to complete the Premier League season.

Nigel Huddleston: The Government has been liaising closely with the football authorities as their plans to restart the season have developed, however, there have been no discussions with them about confirmed plans for using the facilities at St George’s Park. Football and local authorities will continue discussions on the most appropriate venue for each remaining fixture.

Culture: Coronavirus

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if he will establish (a) an emergency rescue fund and (b) a cultural investment participation scheme to support (i) theatres and (ii) other cultural venues affected by covid-19 restrictions until those organisations are able to operate at full capacity.

Caroline Dinenage: We recognise that these are incredibly challenging times for theatres, and cultural venues more broadly, and the Government will continue to support these organisations through the unprecedented financial measures we have announced. DCMS has also worked closely with its arm’s-length bodies to deliver tailored support packages at speed, including the £160m Emergency Funding Package announced by Arts Council England, made possible by Government funding. Alongside this, DCMS continues to engage with the sector extensively in order to best understand the challenges faced. We are working closely with the Arts Council to consider the additional support that may be needed to support the long-term recovery of the sector.

Theatres: Tax Allowances

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on a temporary modification to the Theatre Production Tax Relief to ease the tax burden on theatres.

Caroline Dinenage: The Secretary of State, Ministers and officials continue to consult the creative and cultural sectors extensively to ensure they fully understand the potential impacts of the Covid-19 outbreak on the sector. DCMS is regularly engaging with HMT to establish the impact Covid-19 has had on the cultural sector and to ensure the needs of the cultural sector are factored into the developing economic response. DCMS is committed to ensuring that its unique and world class sectors are supported throughout this time and is exploring all potential options to facilitate this. Theatres across the country have benefited through the unprecedented financial support announced by the government, including the job retention scheme, a years' business rates holiday and the various loan schemes available. DCMS has been working closely with Arts Council England (ACE) to monitor and respond to the challenges being faced by the arts and cultural sectors. On 24 March, Arts Council England announced a £160m emergency response package, made possible by Government funding, to ensure the immediate resilience of this vital sector, and to ensure that, where possible, it can respond creatively to the needs of communities at this extremely challenging time.

Internet: Safety

Damian Collins: To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, when he plans to lay before Parliament the Age Appropriate Design Code for online services.

Caroline Dinenage: The Age Appropriate Design Code will play an important role in protecting children’s personal data online. The Data Protection Act requires that the Code is laid in Parliament as soon as reasonably practicable. Ministers are taking the necessary steps to lay the Code as soon as possible.

Culture and Sports: Coronavirus

Christine Jardine: What steps the Government is taking to support (a) Edinburgh West constituency and (b) other communities whose economies are reliant on (i) cultural and (ii) sporting events during the covid-19 outbreak.

Caroline Dinenage: The Government recognises the devastating impact of COVID-19 and that's why we’ve introduced the unprecedented package of support including the Job Retention Scheme, Self-Employed-Income-Support-Scheme, and loans tailored to the needs of businesses large and small.Arts and Culture are devolved, but in England we are also working with cultural and sporting organisations to produce guidance to get these sectors up and running again as soon as safely possible.

Broadband: Rural Areas

Chris Loder: What steps he is taking to ensure that BT Openreach delivers improved broadband to rural areas.

Matt Warman: My department works with a number of network operators to deliver improved broadband to rural areas. This includes Openreach and their work in West Dorset.We are also working closely with Openreach and other operators to prepare our £5 billion “Outside In” programme, as announced in the Spring Budget.This programme will focus on delivering gigabit-capable broadband to the hardest to reach premises in the UK, which are mainly in rural areas.

Voluntary Organisations: Coronavirus

Gary Sambrook: What steps his Department is taking to help the voluntary sector co-ordinate its response to the covid-19 outbreak.

Matt Warman: The voluntary sector plays a vital role in the response to Coronavirus, with millions of people stepping up to help. My Department is supporting the Voluntary and Community Sector Emergencies Partnership, which is coordinating the voluntary sector response to the crisis.The Partnership is co-chaired by the British Red Cross and National Association for Voluntary and Community Action (NAVCA), and brings together key organisations across the voluntary sector. It is helping to identify needs, match the country’s strong base of volunteers with demands, and coordinate voluntary sector activity nationally and locally.

Culture and Music: Coronavirus

Jeff Smith: Whether he plans to deliver a support package for the (a) music industry and (b) culture sector affected by the covid-19 outbreak.

Caroline Dinenage: We recognise that these are incredibly challenging times for the music industry and broader culture sector. As well as supporting them through an unprecedented package of Government support for businesses and individuals, DCMS has made available a £160m Emergency Funding Package via Arts Council England, made possible by Government funding.We are working hard with the sectors to consider the additional support that may be needed to support the long-term recovery of the sector.

Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme

Sarah Champion: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of amending and lowering the seniority levels required to access the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme to expand eligibility for that scheme.

Paul Scully: Except in respect of a residential development facilities, a CLBILS facility must at all times during its life, rank on at least a pari passu basis with the most senior obligations (including secured and/or super-senior obligations, if any) of the Borrower. This includes from all collateral taken by any lender from the borrower unless the borrower is a financing vehicle, whereby this will include any collateral from any member of its Group. There are certain carveouts from this requirement including collateral:with an aggregate value not greater than 10% of the value (determined by the lender in accordance with its lending policies) of all relevant collateral, andrelating to asset and invoice finance facilities entered into in the ordinary course of business where the proceeds of such collateral would not be available to facilities other than such asset or invoice finance facility and where the lending policies and procedures would not require it to take security over such collateral. This approach ensures that taxpayer interests are suitably protected when providing government guarantees for facilities of up to £200 million to mid-cap and large businesses which tend to have more complex capital structures. The CLBILS is designed to provide temporary assistance to businesses that are suffering disruption to their cashflow due to lost or deferred revenues during the Covid-19 outbreak. In this situation, existing lenders to a business will need to be willing to accept a temporary dilution to their own seniority reflecting this generous assistance from the Government.

Maternity Leave: Coronavirus

Patricia Gibson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of extending maternity leave by three months to allow time for bonding and socially engaging with other parents and babies and wider family members for mothers of babies born during the covid-19 outbreak.

Paul Scully: We understand the impacts that the pandemic and social distancing have on new parents, such as not being able to introduce their new baby to family and friends or attend parent and baby groups. While this is of course extremely difficult for all those affected, we believe these measures are necessary to protect lives. During this difficult time mothers retain their generous entitlement to 52 weeks of Maternity Leave, allowing them to bond and care for their new child and to recover from birth. We have no plans to extend Maternity Leave at this stage.

Small Businesses: Coronavirus

Daniel Zeichner: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, when he plans to publish further guidance to councils on the top-up to local business grant funds scheme.

Paul Scully: Guidance for Local Authorities on the Local Authority Discretionary Fund was published on 13 May. This guidance can be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-business-support-grant-funding-guidance-for-businesses At this stage, there are no plans to publish further guidance.

Higher Education: Finance

Neil O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, which higher education institutions have received funding from Huawei in the last ten years.

Neil O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, how much funding each UK higher education institution has received from Huawei over the last 10 years.

Amanda Solloway: Higher education providers are independent, autonomous organisations. HM Government does not collect data of this sort. Higher education providers in the UK are required to submit certain categories of data to the Higher Education Statistics Agency. This is published annually. This includes their overall income from a variety of sources and for a range of different activities, including teaching, research and commercial. This includes research grant and contract income from business. However HESA data does not indicate the individual businesses concerned.

Clothing: Coronavirus

Greg Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what guidance he plans to issue to dressmakers on conducting consultations and fittings in (a) retail settings and (b) home work based settings as restrictions on the lockdown due to the covid-19 outbreak are eased.

Paul Scully: The Government has published updated guidance on 25 May to include other types of shops that have been closed for some weeks. In addition to the shops that have been open through the lockdown, this guidance covers shops selling clothing, books, shoes and cars, as well as banks, auctions houses, photography studios and indoor and outdoor markets. The second taskforce under non-essential retail will focus on work environments where there is close proximity to the client, e.g. hair and beauty salons, tattoo studios, etc. Guidance for these businesses will be published in June. Some of the guidance published in this document will be useful for tailors and dressmakers. For example, it provides guidelines on safety in fitting rooms and on how to manage clothes that have been tried on.Employers have a legal duty to carry out a risk assessment, and all businesses must now consider the COVID-19 risks before re-opening. In this case, the Government is clear that businesses should only reopen when they can adhere to the COVID-19 safety guidance.

Personal Care Services: Coronavirus

Patricia Gibson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, when the Government plans to publish guidelines on how to observe public health and safety in hair salons when they re-open following the covid-19 lockdown.

Paul Scully: As stated in the Roadmap for Recovery, the Government anticipates that hair salons will be opened as part of Phase 3 in July, should the science confirm that it is safe to do so. Hairdressers and other beauty businesses still remain closed in the current phase because the risk of transmission in these environments is higher due to the indoor environment and closer physical contact. This applies also to mobile hairdressers. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy leads the non-essential Retail Taskforce. Part of this taskforce is focussed on salons and non-clinical therapy. We are working with the sector to develop guidance on safe ways for them to open at the earliest point at which it is safe to do so. The guidance will be published in due course.

Car Washes: Coronavirus

Stella Creasy: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether car washes are permitted to operate during the covid-19 outbreak.

Paul Scully: Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Seagreen Wind Energy

Angus Brendan MacNeil: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, when he last met with Scottish and Southern Energy regarding their Seagreen Offshore wind development; and what was discussed at that meeting.

Kwasi Kwarteng: Details of meetings held by BEIS Ministers are recorded in the Transparency data published on gov.uk, and available at:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/beis-ministerial-gifts-hospitality-travel-and-meetings-october-to-december-2019 Officials have regular meetings with SSE to discuss various issues, including the Seagreen offshore wind development.

Seagreen Wind Energy

Angus Brendan MacNeil: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what representations he has received from Scottish and Southern Energy on the minimum levels of (a) UK and (b) Scottish content in the supply chain for the Seagreen offshore wind farm development prior to the award of a contract for difference.

Kwasi Kwarteng: The Seagreen Offshore Wind Farm Supply Chain Plan (which will be published in due course), submitted prior to the award of a contract for difference, committed to maximising opportunities for UK suppliers with an aspirational target of achieving 50% - 55% lifetime UK content. Seagreen Wind Energy Ltd also committed to encouraging new suppliers into the market and promoting supply chain opportunities to the local and national supply chain and has collaborated with Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise to compile a list of Scottish companies capable of supplying to the sector. The Department will monitor the implementation of the Seagreen Supply Chain Plan.

Seagreen Wind Energy

Angus Brendan MacNeil: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the Seagreen offshore wind farm’s Environmental Impact Assessment report Chapter 15, paragraph 15.95, how much of the £690 million of estimated contracts available to Scottish companies in the CAPEX phase of the project have been awarded;  and with reference to table 15.10 of that report, how much of the estimated £79m for foundations has been awarded by Scottish and Southern Energy.

Kwasi Kwarteng: The Department does not hold that information. However, we work closely with the Scottish Government and the Department for International Trade and the industry to maximise the opportunities for UK suppliers from offshore wind projects.

Business: Coronavirus

Bill Wiggin: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether the Government plans to provide additional financial support to (a) pubs, (b) restaurants and (c) other businesses worst affected by the covid-19 lockdown.

Paul Scully: There is a significant package of financial support currently available to businesses in the hospitality sector to help the difficulties caused by Covid-19 and the associated social distancing measures the Government has put in place. The wide range of schemes include: grants under the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant Fund (RHGLF) scheme, the Small Business Grant Fund (SBGF) scheme, and the Local Authority Discretionary Grant Fund scheme for eligible businessesgovernment-backed loans through schemes such as the Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS), the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) and the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CLBILS)access to the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) to furlough workers, which will continue in its current form until 31 July and then in a more flexible form from August until 31 Octobera business rates holiday for retail, hospitality and leisure businesses for the 2020 to 2021 tax yearthe option to defer VAT payments due between 20 March and 30 June until 31 March 2021access to the Self-Employed Income Support Scheme (SEISS) We continue to keep our support for pubs, restaurants and other businesses under review and to listen to feedback from businesses, and their representatives, in affected sectors.

Flexible Working: Coronavirus

Liz Saville Roberts: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of the increase in workplace flexibility as a result of the covid-19 outbreak; and whether her Department has plans to publish a long-term strategy for more flexible working to help disabled people (a) find, (b) stay in and (c) progress at work.

Paul Scully: Currently, we are seeing an increase in flexible working with many businesses rapidly adapting to remote working, using new technology and finding new ways of working. As we move beyond the current situation, and the economy begins to reopen, we are very keen to do more to promote flexible working in all its forms. This Government is clear about the benefits of flexible working for employers and for their employees. In our manifesto we said that, subject to consultation, we would introduce measures to make flexible working the default.

Carpets: Sales

Mark Eastwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether businesses solely selling carpets are considered to be homeware retailers who may open their premises.

Paul Scully: The regulations have always identified homeware, building supplies and hardware stores as being among those businesses which may be regarded as legal exceptions to the requirement to close. The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) Regulations 2020 does not include a definition on what constitutes a homeware retailer. It is for each business to assess whether they are a business exempt from closing having considered the Regulations. Where stores do remain open they are strongly advised to do so only where staff and customers can adhere to PHE guidelines on social distancing.

Conditions of Employment: Coronavirus

Sarah Olney: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the covid-19 outbreak, what steps he is taking to ensure that employees will not be forced to accept (a) zero-hour contracts and (b) other reduced employment conditions, without being given the option of redundancy, when the furlough ends.

Paul Scully: An employment contract is a matter between an individual and their employer. Any changes to an employment contract – including an individual’s working hours – should be made by agreement in a way that is consistent with employment law. This Government is clear that employers must take their employment responsibilities seriously and cannot simply opt out of them. An employer can decide to make a worker redundant when their furlough ends under certain conditions, if they deem this to be the best course of action to take for their business. The legal position in relation to redundancy remains the same. Any redundancy process should be fair and reasonable, with appropriate equalities considerations.

Forests: Energy

Lloyd Russell-Moyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps he is taking to ensure that domestic energy consumption does not contribute to global deforestation.

Kwasi Kwarteng: The UK only supports biomass for electricity generation which complies with strict sustainability criteria, and generating stations utilising biomass only receive subsidies in respect of compliant biomass. These criteria take into account of social, economic and environmental issues including protecting biodiversity, land use rights, sustainable harvesting and regeneration rates. They ensure that the carbon stock of the forest from which the pellets are derived is not decreased by requiring that biomass fuels are derived from forest waste wood and residues and that the forest owner adheres to relevant legal requirements to protect biodiversity and the environment.

Bounce Back Loan Scheme

Bridget Phillipson: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether individuals who own more than one business can receive a covid-19 Bounce Back Loan for each of their businesses which requires such a loan.

Paul Scully: A single business will not be eligible for multiple Bounce Back Loans; however, an individual who owns a number of separate businesses which do not fall under the same group, may apply for a Bounce Back Loan for each separate business entity.

Bounce Back Loan Scheme

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whether small businesses, who initially applied for less than the maximum £50,000 from the Bounce Back Loan Scheme, can apply for the remaining amount as the longer term effect of the covid-19 outbreak on their business becomes apparent.

Paul Scully: Under the Bounce Back Loan Scheme (BBLS), businesses can apply for between £2,000 up to 25% of their turnover. The maximum loan available under the Scheme is £50,000. Once a business has received a BBLS facility, it is not eligible to apply for a second loan under the Scheme. Businesses using BBLS, who later decide that they need more financing, may be able to refinance under the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) provided they are eligible. Businesses are not permitted to access more than one of either the Bounce Back Loan Scheme, CBILS, CLBILS or the Covid Corporate Financing Facility (CCFF) scheme at the same time. The BBLS is part of a comprehensive package of support, including the Job Retention Scheme, VAT and tax deferrals, and small business grants. All businesses can reach out to their lenders and landlords for payment holidays during the COVID crisis. Businesses in England can find up to date information on all available support at our Gov.uk website, from the Business Support Helpline (0300 456 3565) and through their Local Growth Hubs.

Prices: Coronavirus

Liam Byrne: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of replicating the steps that other countries have taken to tackle price-gouging during the covid-19 pandemic.

Paul Scully: We are committed to tackling consumer rip-offs and bad business practices, including profiteering. Although the vast majority of businesses are acting responsibly during the national effort to tackle Covid-19, a small minority are seeking to exploit the situation. The Competition and Markets Authority are seeing the number of complaints against firms engaging in profiteering decreasing. We are working with the CMA and other consumer and retail organisations to monitor the extent of profiteering and will update the law if it is proportionate to do so. The CMA has approached over 250 traders and trade associations to challenge price rises for essential products.

Natural Gas: Fees and Charges

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the potential effect on consumer costs of Ofgem's new charging regime for gas transportation.

Kwasi Kwarteng: Ofgem, as the independent energy regulator, has responsibility for matters relating to the charging regime for gas transportation and has made their decision in accordance with its statutory duties, including Ofgem’s principal objective to protect the interests of GB’s energy consumers. BEIS have been engaging closely with Ofgem to understand their assessments of the potential effects. Ofgem expect that overall GB consumers will benefit from lower gas and electricity bills each year when the new policy is in operation.

Natural Gas: Fees and Charges

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what discussions he has had with Ofgem on its decision to implement a new charging regime for gas transportation.

Kwasi Kwarteng: BEIS have been in regular discussion with Ofgem regarding the impact of its decision to implement a new gas charging regime. BEIS will continue to work closely with Ofgem whilst respecting its responsibility as an independent regulatory authority.

Natural Gas: Fees and Charges

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the effect on the (a) cost of gas to consumers and (b) viability of energy intensive industries close to terminals of Ofgem's new gas transportation charging regime.

Kwasi Kwarteng: The Government is fully committed to minimising industrial energy costs in the UK to ensure our industries remain strong and competitive. We continue to progress a range of measures to deliver an efficient and effective gas system that benefits all GB consumers. Ofgem, as the independent energy regulator, has responsibility for matters relating to gas network charging and has made their decision in accordance with its statutory duties, including Ofgem’s principal objective to protect the interests of GB’s energy consumers.

Natural Gas: Fees and Charges

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, whom Ofgem is accountable to for its decision to implement a new charging regime for gas transportation.

Kwasi Kwarteng: The introduction of a new UK charging regime for gas transportation was driven by the requirement to be compliant with EU legislation (Regulation (EU) 2017/460 (“the EU Tariff Code”). The Tariff Code places obligations on Ofgem, as the UK’s national regulatory authority, to implement changes to the arrangements governing domestic gas transmission charges to meet the Tariff Code’s objectives. Ofgem remains accountable for compliance with EU law during the transition period. Domestically, Ofgem is an independent regulator and is accountable for the exercise of its powers to Parliament. It is subject to Treasury financial control and it is regularly called to give evidence to Parliamentary select committees, including the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee.

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

Homelessness: Coronavirus

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what additional funding his Department plans to allocate to ensure that homeless people living in (a) hotels and (b) other supported accommodation during the covid-19 locate are able to transition into more secure housing when the lockdown is lifted.

Luke Hall: We have been clear councils must continue to provide safe accommodation for those that need it.The latest figures show over 90 per cent of rough sleepers known to councils at the beginning of this crisis have now been made offers of safe accommodation and we have announced Dame Louise Casey will spearhead the next phase of the Government’s support for rough sleepers during the pandemic.While councils continue to provide accommodation to those that need it, it is only responsible that we work with partners to ensure rough sleepers can move into long-term, safe accommodation once the immediate crisis is over.£3.2 billion of additional Government funding has now been made available to help councils respond to coronavirus, including meeting the costs of accommodating some of the most vulnerable people in our society. This is in addition to £3.2 million specifically targeted to help rough sleepers during the coronavirus emergency and the £489 million committed in 2020 to 2021 to help rough sleepers, a £121 million increase in funding from the previous year.

Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government: Correspondence

Marion Fellows: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what the average length of time was for Ministers of his Department to respond to correspondence from hon. Members in each month in the last two years.

Luke Hall: In line with Cabinet Office guidance, The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has a target of responding within 20 working days where a response is required.As you will understand, MHCLG is currently dealing with unprecedented volumes of correspondence due to COVID-19. MHCLG ensures that urgent cases raised by hon. Members are prioritised, and is taking steps to provide substantive responses in as short a time as possible.All correspondence received from hon. Members is being reviewed and will be responded to as soon as possible.

Religious Hatred: Islam

Caroline Lucas: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Anti-Muslim Hatred Working Group’s report entitled Coronavirus, fear and how Islamophobia spreads on social media, what steps his Department is taking to work with (a) social media companies and (b) relevant statutory bodies to (i) address a potential rise in Islamophobia as a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic and (ii) prevent a future increase in hate crimes when the covid-19 lockdown comes to an end.

Luke Hall: The Government takes hate crime and discrimination of any kind very seriously.The Government is working closely with the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), civil society partners and social media platforms to encourage victim reporting of both online and offline hate crime and ensure social media companies continue to prioritise the removal of hateful content during the Covid-19 pandemic.The Government is also working with communities, civil society partners and the police to monitor and address any developments in hate crime as government Covid-19 restrictions change.

Sleeping Rough

Neil Coyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what recent discussions he has had with waste collection providers on introducing technology in dustbins to protect rough sleepers and other people who take shelter in bins.

Neil Coyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps his Department is taking to help prevent further (a) injuries and (b) deaths occurring as a result of rough sleepers and other people seeking shelter in refuse bins.

Luke Hall: The Government has made clear that no one should be without a roof over their head, which is why we have committed to end rough sleeping within this Parliament and to fully enforce the Homelessness Reduction Act. Every premature death of someone homeless is one too many and we take this matter extremely seriously.It is why we are putting in place £489 million to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping over 2020/2021. This marks an additional £121 million on what the Government provided in 2019/20 and will go towards funding important programmes such as the Rough Sleeping Initiative and the Flexible Homelessness Support Grant.The Rough Sleeping Initiative team includes rough sleeping and homelessness experts, drawn from and funded by Government departments and agencies with specialist knowledge and work experience across a wide-range of areas, including the third sector and local authorities. The team works to advise outreach teams who will locate and support Rough Sleepers directly on the streets. Our advisers will work with local authorities and their partner agencies, where relevant, to consider the role that technology and other strategies might play in safeguarding those who use refuse bins as a form of shelter.

Domestic Abuse: Victims

Mr Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that victims of domestic abuse in all locations of the UK are provided with alternative emergency accommodation.

Luke Hall: My Department’s priority remains for refuges to stay open, up and running, so victims can access support and safe accommodation.On 2 May, the Government announced an unprecedented £76 million package of support from the Charities Fund to ensure the most vulnerable in society get the support they need during the pandemic. My Department secured £10 million of this package specifically for safe accommodation in England.Where charitable services are devolved the Government has applied the Barnett formula in the normal way. We expect the devolved administrations in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland to receive at least £60 million as a result and we encourage them to use this funding to support victims of domestic abuse.Where safe accommodation charities in England judge hotels and other alternative emergency accommodation to be necessary, safe and appropriate, they have been able to apply to fund such costs through this £10 million fund which closed on 21 May.In addition, we have also put in place a system to enable local authorities who need additional accommodation to meet demand during the pandemic to book rooms for domestic abuse victims through a centralised system.We will continue to engage with the sector as the emergency unfolds, to understand the additional challenges they are facing and how best to help them support victims and their children during the pandemic.

Sleeping Rough: Coronavirus

Sarah Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how many rough sleepers have been offered safe accommodation during the covid-19 outbreak by (a) region and (b) local authority area.

Luke Hall: Yesterday, the Government published the management information that supports the announcements from Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP, and Dame Louise Casey that 15,000 people have been accommodated by local authorities in response to Covid-19.We have collected management information from 302 local authorities nationally. We are continuing to work with local authorities to understand the work they are doing to help the most vulnerable in our society.

Homelessness: Coronavirus

James Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what source of additional funding his Department has identified to meet the needs of homeless people accommodated through the Everyone In programme for (a) long-term secure accommodation, where people are (i) eligible for housing benefit but the accommodation costs result in them being affected by the benefit cap, and (ii) not eligible for housing benefit; (b) tenancy support services; and (c) mental health and other long-term support needs.

Luke Hall: We are bringing forward over £160 million this year to provide 3,300 homes for rough sleepers. This marks a significant acceleration of the £381 million announced at Budget, ensuring that 6,000 new housing units will be put into the system  as part of the Rough Sleeping Accommodation Project. Of the £160 million in 2020/21, £130 million is capital funding for the acquisition or renovation of homes. £30 million is revenue funding to pay for tenancy-sustainment support, with further support funding available throughout the following years of the programme. In addition to accelerating this capital spend for investment in housing stock, the Government is also increasing the revenue support of the total programme by 37 per cent (£53 million) over the four-year lifetime of the programme to make sure that the rough sleepers have the support they need to stay off the streets for good.Regarding other accommodation costs, individuals can approach their local authority for a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) if they need additional support to meet rental costs. The Government has raised DHP funding by £40 million this year, bringing the total to £180 million. The Government has also increased the Local Housing Allowance rates for Universal Credit and Housing Benefit claimants so that they are set at the 30th percentile of market rents.There are no changes in respect of the benefit cap. However, the below exemptions continue to apply:Universal Credit claimants with household earnings of at least £604 in an assessment period, which can include statutory sick pay, employer sick pay and earnings from self-employment, will continue to be exempt from the cap.In addition, Universal Credit claimants may benefit from a nine-month ‘grace period’ where their benefit will not be capped if they have a sustained work record. i.e. monthly earnings of at least £569 (£604 from April 2020) for the past year.Housing Benefit claimants who are entitled to Working Tax Credit will continue to be exempt from the cap.Exemptions will continue to apply for the most vulnerable claimants that are entitled to disability benefits and carer benefits.Regarding those not eligible for housing benefit or other public funds, we are ensuring local authorities are supported, with £3.2 million in targeted funding to help support individuals who are sleeping rough off the streets, and an additional £3.2 billion provided to local authorities as part of the wider Government response to the Covid-19 pandemic. This funding has been provided to help local authorities to reduce risks to public health and to support individuals on the basis of need. The Government recognises that these are unprecedented times and expects local authorities to support people who are sleeping rough, and also to minimise unnecessary risks to public health, acting within the law.We are providing a further £262 million for substance misuse treatment and recovery services to meet the needs of rough sleepers and those at risk.

Homelessness: Coronavirus

James Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what estimate his Department has made of the number of homeless people accommodated through the Everyone In programme who have no recourse to public funds in (a) the London Borough of Ealing, (b) London and (c) England.

James Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what estimate his Department has made of the number of people who became homeless after 23 March 2020 who have been granted accommodation under the Everyone In programme; and what the cost of that accommodation has been, in (a) the London Borough of Ealing, (b) London, and (c) England.

Luke Hall: Yesterday, the Government published the management information that supports the announcements from Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP, and Dame Louise Casey that 15,000 people have been accommodated by local authorities in response to Covid-19.We have collected management information from 302 local authorities nationally. We are continuing to work with local authorities to understand the work they are doing to help the most vulnerable in our society.£3.2 billion of additional Government funding has now been made available to help councils respond to coronavirus, including meeting the costs of accommodating some of the most vulnerable people in our society. This is in addition to £3.2 million specifically targeted to help rough sleepers during the coronavirus emergency and the £489 million committed in 2020 to 2021 to help rough sleepers, a £121 million increase in funding from the previous year.This funding has been provided to help local authorities to reduce risks to public health and to support individuals on the basis of need.The Government is aware of concerns about those with no recourse to public funds experiencing homelessness during the Covid-19 crisis.The legal position on those with no recourse to public funds has not been amended.The Government recognises that these are unprecedented times, and expects local authorities to support people who are sleeping rough, and also to minimise unnecessary risks to public health, acting within the law.

Homelessness: Coronavirus

James Murray: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, from which budgets will funding be allocated to meet the (a) immediate and (b) long-term needs of people accommodated through the Everyone In programme and who have no recourse to public funds.

Luke Hall: The Government is aware of concerns about those with no recourse to public funds experiencing homelessness during the Covid-19 emergency.We are ensuring local authorities are supported, with £3.2 million in targeted funding to help support individuals who are sleeping rough off the streets, and an additional £3.2 billion provided to local authorities as part of the wider government response to the Covid-19 pandemic.This funding has been provided to help local authorities to reduce risks to public health and to support individuals on the basis of need.The legal position on those with no recourse to public funds has not been amended.The Government recognises that these are unprecedented times, and expects local authorities to support people who are sleeping rough, and also to minimise unnecessary risks to public health, acting within the law.While local authorities continue to provide accommodation to those that need it, it is only responsible that we work with partners to consider how best to support the rough sleepers who have been moved into accommodation once the immediate emergency has been resolved.

Industrial Health and Safety: Coronavirus

Steve Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what additional resources his Department plans to provide to local authorities in support of their role as the main enforcing authority for health and safety in industries including retail, wholesale distribution and warehousing, hotel and catering premises, offices, and leisure during the covid-19 outbreak.

Mr Simon Clarke: Through the £50 million Reopening High Streets Safely Fund, local authorities are being supported to help safely reopen high streets and other commercial areas. My Department has also issued guidance to help owners and operators of public spaces to identify the issues and potential interventions that can be made to facilitate social distancing in the public realm. We are encouraging all businesses, local authorities, landowners, transport operators and local partnerships to work together to provide for social distancing. My Department recognise that the capacity of specialist enforcement offers will need to be carefully managed. We expect that local authorities will adopt a sensible risk based approach and make judgements about where best to direct their activity to prioritise their public health responsibilities to prevent and control outbreaks.

Local Government: Coronavirus

Steve Reed: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will publish a list of expenditure related to the covid-19 outbreak that the Government will reimburse local authorities for.

Mr Simon Clarke: The Minister for Housing, Communities and Local Government continues to work closely with local authorities in the UK to manage the impacts of Covid-19 on our society.The Government has now made £3.2 billion available to local authorities through an un-ringfenced grant so they can address pressures they are facing in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.In relation to this additional funding, the Government has asked local government to prioritise the following service areas during the Covid-19 crisis: adult social care; children’s services; public health; fire and rescue services; waste management services; shielding the clinically vulnerable people; homelessness and rough sleeping; domestic abuse; managing excess deaths.

Small Businesses: Coronavirus

Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, with reference to the Government's News story of 2 May 2020, Top-up to local business grant funds scheme, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of permitting unused monies paid to local authorities under the initial Government business support grant funds scheme to be used in the discretionary top-up scheme.

Mr Simon Clarke: The Government has confirmed to local authorities that the additional costs of the Discretionary Grants Fund will firstly be met in whole or in part from unused monies allocated to them for the Small Business and Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grants Funds. Only where local authorities have disbursed more that 95 per cent of their original funding allocation will their funding will be topped up to ensure that they can provide the full value of the Discretionary Grants Fund.We recognise that some local authorities may still have residual initial funding available, even accounting for the Discretionary Grants Fund expenditure. Officials continue to stay in close contact with local authorities to understand how the schemes are performing and advising ministers on any additional support which could be offered to help businesses and support local economies. No decisions have yet been taken, but the level of demand will continue to be monitored.

Buildings: Insulation

Dame Margaret Hodge: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, how (a) private landlords and (b) leaseholders can apply for grants under the non-ACM combustible cladding remediation fund.

Christopher Pincher: The registration process for the fund opened on 1 June, after publication of the Building Safety Fund prospectus on 26 May. The registration form for building owners is available on gov.uk at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/remediation-of-non-acm-buildings . The closing date for registrations is the 31 July at which point building owners will then be able to apply for grant funding. Leaseholders are not able to register individually and should talk to their building owners about their intentions to register to the fund. If leaseholders are concerned about the response they get from their building owner, they can complete the leaseholder feedback form at the above link to register building details.

High Rise Flats: Insulation

Dame Margaret Hodge: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the non-ACM remediation fund to cover the removal of all non-ACM combustible cladding and insulation on buildings over 18 metres.

Christopher Pincher: The value of the Building Safety Fund has been assessed on the basis of the proportion of building owners we expect to be eligible, given Government expects that those who are already remediating their buildings should continue to do so. Building owners should also explore every opportunity to fund this work via those originally responsible for the defects and warranty claims before seeking Government funding, or passing on costs to their leaseholders.

Buildings: Insulation

Dame Margaret Hodge: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, for what reasons buildings between 11 metres and 18 metres in height are excluded from the fund for the remediation of combustible non-ACM materials.

Christopher Pincher: The Department has already funded the removal of unsafe ACM from high rise buildings over 18 metres which the Expert Panel considers to be the most severe building safety risk. The new fund is to address other unsafe cladding on buildings over 18 metres, as higher rise buildings are the least likely to safely evacuate in the event of a fire spreading via external cladding systems. Building owners are responsible for the safety of their buildings and should take action to remediate any unsafe cladding systems on buildings below 18 metres in accordance with the advice of the Expert Panel.

Food: Coronavirus

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, when local authorities may levy a charge on the recipients of emergency food parcels during the covid-19 outbreak.

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what financial support is provided to local authorities for the cost of emergency food parcels during the covid-19 outbreak.

Luke Pollard: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what guidance his Department has provided to local authorities on recovering the cost of emergency food parcels during the covid-19 outbreak.

Christopher Pincher: Nationally provided food parcels are part of the Government’s support programme to people who are shielding and are funded centrally. Neither local authorities nor recipients are charged for these parcels.Local authorities are playing a critical role in the response to the coronavirus, including supplementing nationally provided food boxes where individuals have dietary requirements. The Government has provided councils with over £3.2 billion to help them deal with the immediate impacts of the coronavirus, and councils are able to meet additional food costs through this funding. We have committed to keeping additional funding needs under review.

Northern and Shell

Mike Amesbury: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether (a) he or (b) his special advisor had discussions with (i) Richard Desmond and (ii) board members, staff or agents of the Northern & Shell Media Group (A) prior to his appointment as Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government and (B) following his appointment.

Mike Amesbury: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what contact he has had with (a) the developers or (b) their representatives on the Westferry Printworks development, PA/18/01877/A1 which he granted planning permission for on 14 January 2020.

Christopher Pincher: Ministerial meetings with external organisations are published on gov.uk as part of the government’s transparency agenda.Ministers and Special Advisers act in accordance with the MHCLG Guidance on Planning Propriety Issues.In line with the guidance, the Secretary of State declined to discuss this application with the developers or their representatives.

Property Development: Isle of Dogs

Mike Amesbury: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what meetings he has attended with (a) developers or (b) their representatives on the Westferry Printworks development, PA/18/01877/A1 that he granted planning permission for on 14 January 2020.

Christopher Pincher: None.

Property Development: Isle of Dogs

Mike Amesbury: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what contact his special advisors have had with (a) developers or (b) their representatives on he Westferry Printworks development, PA/18/01877/A1 which he granted planning permission for on 14 January 2020.

Mike Amesbury: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what meetings his special advisors have attended with (a) developers or (b) their representatives on the Westferry Printworks development, PA/18/01877/A1 which he granted planning permission for on 14 January 2020.

Christopher Pincher: None.

Property Development: Isle of Dogs

Mike Amesbury: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether (a) he or (b) his special advisors met with with (i) the Prime Minister, (ii) the Prime Minister’s Chief Strategic Advisor, Sir Edward Lister, (iii) the Prime Minister’s Chief Special Advisor, Dominic Cummings and (iv) the Director of the Number Ten Policy Unit, Munira Mirza to discuss the planning application for the former Westferry Printworks site (235 Westferry Road, London E14 3QS) (PA/18/01877/A1); and on what dates those discussions took place.

Christopher Pincher: I refer the Hon Member to the answer to Question UIN 52440 on 3 June 2020.

Affordable Housing: Cultural Heritage

Sarah Olney: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what the Government’s policy is on the balance between delivering affordable housing and protecting heritage assets.

Christopher Pincher: The National Planning Policy Framework sets out the Government’s planning policy. In reaching decisions on planning applications, local planning authorities must take account of national planning policy including, where relevant, the policies around delivering affordable housing and conserving and enhancing the historic environment. They must weigh up these and any other relevant considerations and reach a balanced and proportionate judgment in each case.

Religious Buildings: Coronavirus

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking to ensure the safe re-opening of places of worship as covid-19 social distancing measures are lifted.

Mr Simon Clarke: On 11 May, the Government launched the document “Our Plan to Rebuild”, which outlined the steps it would be taking to ease the lockdown restrictions;https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/884760/Our_plan_to_rebuild_The_UK_Government_s_COVID-19_recovery_strategy.pdfThe current assumption that places of worship will open no earlier than 4 July. As part of the steps to ease the restrictions, the Government launched a Places of Worship Taskforce to look at how they can reopen and operate safely to ensure those who visit and those who work there, are protected. Meetings are being led by the Secretary of State for Communities, or the Faith Minister, and comprise of representatives from the country’s major faiths. The taskforce is working towards the safe reopening of places of worship as soon as possible, including for individual prayer, and services and ceremonies such as weddings. It will also address the specific issues that places of worship face in the course of reopening safely.Places of worship are essential in bringing our communities together, which is why we want them to reopen them as soon as we can. However, no place of worship will be able to reopen before a final decision by the Government and the accompanying changes to the legal position in the published regulations. Even after we permit places of worship to reopen fully, some may choose to reopen in stages or at a slower pace depending on their local circumstances.Guidance to support the safe reopening of our places of worship will be published in due course.

Religious Buildings: Coronavirus

Afzal Khan: To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether he has had discussions with representatives from the Muslim Council of Britain on the safe re-opening of mosques as covid-19 social distancing measures are lifted.

Luke Hall: No discussions have taken place with the Muslim Council of Britain regarding the safe reopening of places of worship. The Government has set up a taskforce through which the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government has met with national faith leaders to prepare for places of worship to re-open safely at the appropriate time. Membership of the taskforce includes representation from the Muslim community.

Ministry of Defence

Ministry of Defence: Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Drew Hendry: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of enabling fee earning civilian staff in his Department to access the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme when their contractual work with his Department has been reduced for social distancing reasons.

Johnny Mercer: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) recognises and values the contribution of fee-earners, such as those who provide adventure training. Following appropriate consultation, we have now published guidance for MOD personnel who engage fee-earners. I have written separately to the hon. Member, in response to his letter to me on this subject, enclosing a copy of this guidance. Although the guidance is extant at the time of writing, it is subject to review and alteration as the current situation develops.

AWACS: Procurement

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what proportion of the work carried out by the STS Aviation Group as part of the E-7 Wedgetail contract will be undertaken by UK subjects.

Jeremy Quin: STS Aviation Group have been contracted by Boeing to convert Boeing 737 Next Generation airliners to the E-7 Wedgetail standard under a direct sub-contract. Management of that contract, including recruitment, is a matter for Boeing and STS Aviation Group.

AWACS: Procurement

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether any IP within the E-7 Wedgetail has been transferred to the UK as part of the contract with STS Aviation Group.

Jeremy Quin: The Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) for the E-7 Wedgetail aircraft remain the property of the contractor and therefore the management of Intellectual Property within this contact is a matter between Boeing and STS Aviation Group. The UK Ministry of Defence does, however, have the right to use such IPR in the provision of in-service support to the fleet.

AWACS: Procurement

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the work undertaken by STS Aviation Group at the Birmingham hanger will include US personnel only areas in order to protect US intellectual property interests with the E-7 Wedgetail.

Jeremy Quin: The details of the specific conversion work and working arrangements for the E-7 Wedgetail programme will be determined by Boeing as the prime contractor, who will ensure that it is carried out in accordance with the relevant legal requirements and contractual terms and conditions.

AWACS: Procurement

Mr Kevan Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what tendering process was undertaken by his Department prior to STS Aviation Group solutions being subcontracted.

Jeremy Quin: The competition for this contract was run by Boeing as the prime contractor.

Armed Forces: Sexual Offences

Caroline Nokes: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans he has to extend the period beyond three years in which service personnel can report historic allegations of serious sexual assault.

Johnny Mercer: The Service Justice System does not have a time limit in regard to bringing cases of sexual assault. The Service Police will continue to investigate any allegations of historic serious sexual offence brought to their attention.

Saudi Arabia: Tornado Aircraft

Lloyd Russell-Moyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when RAF personnel last serviced the Royal Saudi Air Force Tornado that was shot down over Yemen on 14 February 2020; what steps have been taken to replace that Tornado; and what support has been offered to its crew members.

James Heappey: RAF personnel do not service Royal Saudi Air Force Tornado aircraft.Operational planning for the Tornado fleet and aircrew support are matters for the Royal Saudi Air Force.

Oman: Armed Forces

Lloyd Russell-Moyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when his Department last revised its Directive to the Senior British Loan Service Officer in Oman; if he will publish that Directive; and whether that Directive permits British loan service personnel to engage in internal security operations in Oman.

James Heappey: I am withholding details of the Directive to the Senior British Loan Service Officer in Oman as disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice relations between the United Kingdom and another state.

Parachute Regiment

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many personnel (a) serving in the Parachute Regiment and (b) supporting arms attached to Parachute Regiment battalions have not (i) qualified as military parachutists and (ii) completed the required parachute training.

James Heappey: The Army has sufficient trained personnel to undertake the operations that help keep Britain safe. I am withholding information about the numbers who have completed parachute training and those who have not qualified as military parachutists as disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces.

Veterans UK: Telephone Services

Mrs Sharon Hodgson: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to his oral contribution of 12 May 2020, Official Report, Column 122, when the Government plans to reopen the Veterans UK helpline.

Johnny Mercer: The Veterans UK helpline never closed. The COVID-19 situation necessitated the delivery of services differently. The Veterans UK helpline was adapted to enable veterans to hear recorded service information on topics they may have needed help with, and written enquiries could still be submitted in the normal manner via email. Call backs and referral to the Veterans Welfare Service were provided where urgent or vulnerable callers were identified.The Veterans UK helpline is now accepting a limited number of telephone calls and officials are working to restore as full a telephony service as soon as possible.

Scotland Office

Coronavirus: Scotland

Allan Dorans: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, pursuant to his oral contribution of 20 May 2020, Vol 676 Col 555, whether Members of Parliament representing Scottish constituencies should self-isolate on their return to Scotland if they physically attend proceedings of the House during the covid-19 outbreak.

Mr Alister Jack: Public health guidance published by the Scottish Government clearly defines the circumstances under which an individual in Scotland should self-isolate. If one develops symptoms of covid-19 they should self-isolate for 7 days and if one has close contact with someone who has tested positive, the guidance states a self-isolation period of 14 days is necessary. The guidance can be found here:https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-test-and-protect/pages/who-needs-to-self-isolate/ Parliamentary proceedings will continue to be conducted according to the public health guidance with social distancing in place to protect Members of Parliament. The same is true of public transport.

Department for International Trade

Trade Agreements: Health Services

Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, with reference to her oral contribution of 20 May 2020, Official Report, col. 612, that (a) the Government Procurement Agreement to which the Trade Bill relates will not apply to the procurement of UK health services, and (b) the NHS is not on the table, what safeguards will exist to ensure that (i) the NHS cannot be exposed to action in international courts as a result of any new trade arrangements facilitated by the Bill for (A) pharmaceuticals and (B) medical services, and (ii) personal data of NHS clients cannot be transferred abroad as a result of any aspect of the provisions of that Bill once enacted.

Mr Ranil Jayawardena: When HM Government is negotiating trade agreements, we have been clear that the NHS will not be on the table. The price the NHS pays for drugs will not be on the table. The services the NHS provides will not be on the table. The NHS is protected by specific carve outs, exceptions and reservations in the trade agreements to which the United Kingdom is party. HM Government will continue to make sure these are included in future trade agreements. The Government Procurement Agreement (GPA) provides British businesses with guaranteed access to overseas procurement opportunities, estimated to be worth £1.3 trillion per year. Health and social care services are not, and will not, be included in the United Kingdom’s market access schedule to the GPA, meaning that they will not be opened to GPA competition. Patient data will only ever be shared where used lawfully, treated with respect, held securely and where the right safeguards are in place.

Trade: Coronavirus

Lloyd Russell-Moyle: To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what recent assessment he has made of the potential effect on environmental protection and human rights of maintaining (a) free trade and (b) open supply chains during the covid-19 outbreak.

Mr Ranil Jayawardena: Free trade has a vital role in addressing the immediate impact and resolving the longer-term effects of this pandemic. It is imperative that we keep our markets open to maintain the flow of essential goods and services, including medical products, which will protect lives and livelihoods. HM Government intends to support Britain’s economy to become stronger, cleaner, and more resilient after this crisis. This will boost exports and create employment in the low-carbon industries of the future, while ensuring we address challenges including climate change and continue to protect the environment. The United Kingdom has a strong history of promoting our values globally and we will continue to do so.

Department for Transport

Electric Vehicles

Jane Stevenson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of using powered two-wheelers as an alternative to public transport during the covid-19 outbreak.

Rachel Maclean: The Department’s guidance issued on 12 May refers to “Private cars and other vehicles” as an alternative to using public transport, and encourages the public to “consider all other forms of transport before using public transport”. This would include private vehicles such as motorcycles and mopeds where the journey to be made is appropriate. In response to COVID-19, we are accelerating and expanding planned trials of rental e-scooters, allowing all areas that want to host trials to do so. We will introduce legislation in June to allow trials to begin.

Driving Tests: Coronavirus

Patrick Grady: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of of 18 May 2020 to Question 46711 on Driving Tests: Coronavirus, whether he plans refund people if their driving theory test certificate expires while they are unable to undertake their practical driving test due to restrictions during the covid-19 outbreak.

Rachel Maclean: The two-year validity period of the theory test certificate is set in legislation. This is so the candidate’s theoretical knowledge and ability to identify developing hazards remains current. To extend the validity period would require legislative change. Candidates who have had their practical driving test suspended as a result of COVID-19 will receive an email from the DVSA telling them the date of their rescheduled test. The test will be rescheduled automatically, and free of charge. The candidate can, if they prefer, request a refund of their practical test fee.

P and O Ferries: Redundancy

Emma Hardy: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made of the potential effect on women seafarers in (a) Hull and (b) Dover of P&O Ferries' announcement of redundancies on 11 May 2020.

Kelly Tolhurst: There has been no assessment made of the potential effect on women seafarers in Hull or Dover in regard the P&O announcement on redundancies.

Condor Ferries: Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme

Mr Stephen Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with Condor Ferries on access to Government-funded furlough schemes for employers of UK seafarers.

Kelly Tolhurst: The government has announced an unprecedented package of financial measures to support businesses through the Covid-19 pandemic, worth £350 billion. This includes supporting both employers and employees via the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS), by paying furloughed staff 80% of their current salary, up to £2,500. To access the CJRS, a company must have a UK bank account and have started a PAYE payroll scheme on or before 19 March 2020. My officials have previously engaged with Condor Ferries and expressed these requirements to them. We have continued to offer our support to them during this difficult time. The Department recognises the important contribution that seafarers make to the UK’s economy and remain committed to supporting them. The Channel Island governments have also launched a similar scheme as well as other financial measures to support local businesses. Those staff members that are employed and paid through the Channel Islands would be subject to the terms and conditions governing those particular schemes and be a matter for the Channel Island governments.

Brittany Ferries: Public Service Obligations

Mr Stephen Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to his Department’s announcement on 18 May 2020 of £35m funding for critical maritime freight routes, how many routes operated by Brittany Ferries have been designated as Public Service Obligation routes for the 9-week period; and how much public funding has been allocated to each such route.

Kelly Tolhurst: Three Public Service Obligation (PSO) Agreements were awarded to Brittany Ferries. The value of the awards will depend on actual revenues and service level requirements during operation. The estimated value of the PSO Agreements at the point of contract award have been published in the Official Journal of the European Union and are as follows:PSO Agreement between Portsmouth and Santander: £1,508,265.00PSO Agreement between Portsmouth and Cherbourg: £1,042,551.00PSO Agreement between Poole and Bilbao: £370,395.00

Railways: Bradford

Philip Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when (a) Network Rail and (b) the East Coast Franchise Operator first notified his Department that the scheduled additional train services between London Kings Cross, Shipley and Bradford would not meet the 2019 timescale set out in the franchise.

Chris Heaton-Harris: The Department became aware in late 2018 that the additional train services would not be delivered in May 2019 due to delays to the delivery of the IEP fleet and as a consequence of the revised industry approach to timetable development following the May 2018 timetable change. Following our recent meeting on this issue, I look forward to working with my Honorable Friend to ensure these services are delivered as soon as is feasible.

Gosport Ferry: Government Assistance

Mr Stephen Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when he plans to make financial assistance available to Gosport Ferry.

Mr Stephen Morgan: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what funding he plans to allocate to Gosport Ferry to support that company during the covid-19 outbreak.

Kelly Tolhurst: The Government has announced an unprecedented package of financial measures to support businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic, worth £350 billion. This includes providing local authorities with a total of £3.2bn to support the COVID-19 response to the pandemic at the local level. These wide-ranging measures are providing support for businesses of all sizes. The Department for Transport has encouraged Gosport Ferry Company to consider options from the wide range of financial support measures introduced by the Government to support UK businesses, and has also worked closely with Portsmouth, Gosport and Hampshire councils to explore local funding options.

Aviation

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many meetings he has had with Ministers of the HM Treasury to discuss the aviation industry in the last three months .

Kelly Tolhurst: The Department has been working closely with the aviation sector and HM Treasury to produce and support measures which will ensure there is sufficient capacity to protect global travel routes, continue repatriation, freight and maintain vital connectivity. The Secretary of State has met with other Ministerial colleagues including HMT Ministers sixteen times over the last three months, in addition to the many more meetings attended by Junior Ministers and DfT Officials to help achieve these goals.

Aviation: Coronavirus

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the economic effect on (a) airlines and (b) airports of the 14-day quarantine restrictions for people entering the UK during the covid-19 outbreak.

Kelly Tolhurst: The Department for Transport has ensured the economic impact assessment, led by the Treasury, reflects the impacts the measures will have on the transport sector and the wider economy, and ensured specific and targeted exemptions to mitigate the impact.

Travel: Coronavirus

Maria Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with the Home Secretary on the financial effect on (a) the aviation sector and (b) the UK economy of the 14-day quarantine restrictions for people entering the UK during the covid-19 outbreak.

Kelly Tolhurst: The Department for Transport has ensured the economic impact assessment, led by the Treasury, reflects the impacts the measures will have on the transport sector and the wider economy, and ensured specific and targeted exemptions to mitigate the impact.

Shipping: United Arab Emirates

Patricia Gibson: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps is he taking to support commercial seafarers that are stranded on board ships and unable to disembark in the United Arab Emirates.

Kelly Tolhurst: You may be aware that the UK has not placed restrictions on the transit and transfer of seafarers and I have written to the International Maritime Organisation, the International Labour Organisation and the World Health Organisation on 23 March 2020, confirming that the UK will continue to meet its international obligations related to the transit and transfer of seafarers and highlighted that the UK is fully committed to the welfare of all seafarers regardless of their nationality, asking other States to follow this example. I appreciate that restrictions remain in place, making it difficult for seafarers to reach their destination for crew change. I assure you that we are doing what we can to address those issues, working in partnership with industry, other Government Departments and overseas administrations to enable the freedom of movement needed to keep the industry operating. I welcomed the framework recently developed by the International Chamber of Shipping and other organisations, which has been supported and circulated by the International Maritime Organisation and fully understands the need for safe crew changes around the world. I am keen to see a resolution to this issue and understand that it is not possible to keep extending seafarers contracts, as this could have a detrimental impact on their health and well-being and potentially puts the flow of goods at risk. Whilst the safety and security of seafarers is the responsibility of the vessel’s operators, the Government is continuing to monitor the welfare of all UK seafarers and is working to support employers in their repatriation efforts for all non-essential staff.

Driving: Licensing

Mohammad Yasin: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, when the process of applying to the DVLA for a provisional licence will resume following the covid-19 outbreak.

Rachel Maclean: Applications for provisional driving licences can be made online at https://www.gov.uk/apply-first-provisional-driving-licenceCustomers can also make postal applications for a provisional driving licence. However, paper applications are likely to take significantly longer to process in the current circumstances.

Cycling: Self-employed

Patrick Grady: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of extending the cycle to work scheme to self-employed people as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.

Chris Heaton-Harris: No assessment of the potential merits of extending the cycle to work scheme to self-employed people has been made at this point. On the 9th May the Government announced a £2bn package of funding for cycling and walking. This includes £250m which will encourage cycling to work through the provision of pop up bike lanes with protected space for cycling, as well as vouchers for cycle repairs and greater provision for bike fixing facilities. This builds on the refreshed Cycle to Work Scheme Guidance published in 2019 which made it easier for employers to provide bicycles and equipment including e-bikes and adapted bikes worth over £1,000.

Driving: Licensing

Barbara Keeley: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps he is taking in response to the covid-19 outbreak and the reduction in services provided by the Driving and Vehicle Licencing Agency to allow people aged over 70 to renew their driving licence by post.

Rachel Maclean: The quickest and easiest way to renew a driving licence at the age 70 and over is to use the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA)’s online service at www.gov.uk/renew-driving-licence-at-70 . We are aware that some drivers may face difficulties using this service and those customers should submit a paper application in the normal way. However, paper applications will take longer to process in the current circumstances. Some drivers may be able to continue to drive while their application is being processed, provided they have a valid licence and they have not been told by a doctor or optician not to drive. Further information on this provision can be found online at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/inf1886-can-i-drive-while-my-application-is-with-dvla. The department is considering what can be done to help drivers who are unable to use the DVLA’s online service. More information will be made available at the appropriate time.

Driving: Licensing

Barbara Keeley: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made of the potential effect of the covid-19 outbreak on the application of Section 88 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 to people aged over 70 who may not be able to verify their fitness to drive with their GP and continue driving.

Rachel Maclean: It is a driver’s responsibility to ensure that they meet the criteria for driving under the provisions of Section 88 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 while their application is being considered. More information on the criteria can be found online at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/inf1886-can-i-drive-while-my-application-is-with-dvla While there is no specific requirement to visit a doctor for these purposes, if a driver has been told not to drive by a doctor or optician, they should not do so.

Driving: Licensing

Barbara Keeley: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many people aged over 70 have applied to renew their driving licence by using the DVLA’s (a) online and (b) postal service in each of the last five years, by age of applicant.

Rachel Maclean: The table below shows the number of applications received from those renewing their driving licence at the age of 70 and over either online or by post in the last five financial years. It has not been possible in the time available to break this down by age of applicant.  Online applications age 70 and overPostal applications  age 70 and over2015-2016720,1521,068,0602016-2017843,9471,079,0172017-2018897,577990,2432018-2019907,0051,117,5442019-20201,128,3441,012,176

Cycling: Congleton

Fiona Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how residents of Congleton constituency can access the £225 million fund allocated by the Government to the improvement of cycling facilities.

Chris Heaton-Harris: The Emergency Active Travel Fund is being released in two phases. The first tranche of £45 million will be released as soon as possible provided Local Authorities submit suitably ambitious plans to the Department. This is to enable work to begin at pace on emergency measures such as closing roads to through traffic, installing segregated cycle lanes and widening pavements. Cheshire East Unitary Authority has been indicatively allocated £155,000 for tranche one, and receipt of these funds is dependent on the completion of an application form outlining the authority’s plans. The application must be submitted by 5 June. The second tranche of £180m will be released later in the summer, again, subject to Local Authorities submitting plans that meet with the Department’s approval.

Bus Services: Coronavirus

Alex Davies-Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, how many audits there have been on payments made to bus operators through the Coronavirus Bus Services Support Grant to date.

Rachel Maclean: The COVID-19 Bus Services Support Grant of £167m initially, and a further £254m, for restarting services will help protect and increase services, allowing people travelling to hospitals, supermarkets or their place of work to get to their destination safely and quickly, while helping ensure there is enough space for them to observe social distancing guidelines. The level of support offered to bus operators is based on the actual mileage of services provided to ensure that payments are only being made for buses that actually ran. Due diligence checks are made on every operator applying for the scheme, and there will be a reconciliation process after every 12 weeks of funding to ensure that no operator is made better or worse off by providing these services with government support.

Public Transport: Coronavirus

Alex Davies-Jones: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, on what date he confirmed emergency funding arrangements for (a) private operators of national rail services, (b) private operators of bus services, (c) Transport for London and (d) light rail and tram systems.

Chris Heaton-Harris: The Government recognises the importance of keeping public transport services running, and to provide stability and certainty to the transport industry at this turbulent time. The Secretary of State confirmed funding arrangements for a) national rail services on 23 March; b) bus services on 3 April and 23 May; c) Transport for London on 14 May; and d) light rail and tram systems on 24 April and 23 May.

Aviation: Coronavirus

Sarah Owen: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans the Government has to support the aviation industry and its workforce during (a) the phases of the covid-19 lockdown restrictions easing and (b) a potential second wave of the outbreak; and whether those plans include (i) an extended job retention scheme for workers in the aviation industry and (ii) ensuring pilots have access to simulators or flight time to fulfil the three take offs and landings in 90 days requirements.

Kelly Tolhurst: Our transport systems are critical to support the restart of the wider economy and we continue to work closely with the aviation sector through the phasing of lockdown restrictions and beyond, on these restart plans and the longer-term recovery of the sector. In addition, the International Aviation Taskforce has been set up to support the development of guidelines for safely restarting the sector that will take place, when the science allows. The Taskforce will be publishing guidance for passengers and operators shortly. The Chancellor recently extended the Job Retention Scheme until the end of October, bringing more flexibility to the scheme to ensure those who are able to work can do so, while remaining amongst the most generous employee schemes in the world. As well as financial support for employees, firms can also draw upon the unprecedented package of measures to protect jobs, including: schemes to raise capital and flexibilities with tax bills. The Civil Aviation Authority is working with airlines and airports to provide flexibility within the regulatory framework to help manage and mitigate Covid-19 impacts where this is appropriate, including on fulfilment of regulatory requirements such as Pilot’s flight time.

Biofuels: Agricultural Machinery

Sir Greg Knight: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment he has made from its use in other countries of the potential effect of E10 fuel on (a) farm machinery performance, (b) fuel filter usage and (c) levels of engine injector failure on tractors, mowers and other farm vehicles in the UK; and if he will make a statement.

Rachel Maclean: Most farm machinery is diesel powered; our proposals to introduce E10 petrol are therefore expected to have a limited impact on farm operations. The main use of E10 would be in passenger cars, motorbikes and other petrol-powered equipment using fuel sold at filling stations. Any compatibility issues related to E10 are generally not associated with fuel filters or injectors specifically. Vehicles approved for use with E10 are not expected to experience any significant difference in performance when using the new grade.  However, as our recent consultation “Introducing E10 Petrol” set out, any vehicles and equipment not approved for E10 use are advised to continue to use E5 petrol. Vehicle manufacturers have published information on E10 compatibility and information for other equipment may be retrieved from the manual or require the owner to contact the manufacturer. Any introduction of E10 would be accompanied by legislation requiring the continued supply of E5 petrol for those that need it.

Easyjet: Redundancy

Sarah Owen: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what meetings his Department has had with Easyjet on its proposed 4,500 job losses; and what plans the Government has to help safeguard the future of those jobs.

Kelly Tolhurst: It would not be appropriate to comment on individual discussions. However, we recognise that this will be very distressing news for EasyJet employees and their families, and we stand ready to support them. Our transport systems are critical to support the restart of the wider economy and we continue to work closely with the aviation sector on these restart plans and the longer-term recovery of the sector. Firms can draw upon the unprecedented package of measures, including schemes to raise capital, flexibilities with tax bills, and financial support for employees. If airlines find themselves in trouble because of coronavirus, and have exhausted the measures already available to them, the Government is prepared to enter discussions with individual companies seeking bespoke support as a last resort, having exhausted all other options.  Any intervention would need to represent value for money for taxpayers.

Public Transport: NHS and Social Care Coronavirus Life Assurance Scheme 2020

Clive Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on extending the NHS and Social Care Coronavirus Life Assurance Scheme 2020 to the families of transport workers who die from covid-19.

Chris Heaton-Harris: The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care announced on 27th April a scheme where families of eligible NHS and care workers, who die from coronavirus in the course of their frontline work, will receive a £60,000 payment. The government will continue to review the support provided to key workers on the front-line.

Bus Services: Coronavirus

Mr William Wragg: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of introducing a bespoke package of support for the private coach industry during the covid-19 pandemic.

Mr William Wragg: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what recent assessment he has made of the effect of the two metre social distancing requirements on the viability of the private coach industry.

Rachel Maclean: We are encouraging coach operators to make use of the wide range of support measures the Chancellor announced. These amount to £330 billion of loans and guarantees for businesses. We are continuing to engage with the coach sector to understand what the ongoing risks and issues are, and how these could be addressed in light of the coronavirus outbreak.On 12 May, the Government published guidance for passengers and transport operators to help them keep themselves and their staff safe, including how social distancing rules should be interpreted to do this. This guidance will be kept up-to-date as restrictions on travel change.

A34: Oxfordshire

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment (a) his Department and (b) Highways England has made of the effect of covid-19 restrictions on the completion date for the Lodge Hill diamond interchange on the A34.

Rachel Maclean: The Lodge Hill interchange is being progressed and developed by Oxfordshire County Council (OCC). Highways England is working closely with OCC on the design and modelling of this interchange. The assessment of the effect of COVID-19 restrictions on the completion date for this project would be for OCC to comment on as scheme promoter.

Cycling: Coronavirus

Layla Moran: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what plans his Department has to add cycling statistics to the transport slide presented at the daily covid-19 press conferences; and when he plans to make that addition.

Chris Heaton-Harris: The slides at the daily Downing Street press conferences are kept under constant review. The Department is continually gathering evidence from a variety sources in order to monitor changes in cycling levels.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Eritrea: Prisoners

Harriett Baldwin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to the Government of Eritrea on the release of political prisoners, journalists and Aster Fissehatsion.

James Duddridge: We remain concerned about the human rights situation in Eritrea, including the arrests of opposition leaders, journalists and religious figures. Since Aster Fissehatsion and others were detained in 2001, the UK Government, along with partners in the international community, have taken every opportunity to voice our concern about arbitrary arrests and detentions in Eritrea, and have called for their release. We have done so directly with the Government of Eritrea and publicly - through our annual reporting on human rights and at the Human Rights Council (HRC) in Geneva.On 26 February, the UK's International Ambassador for Human Rights, Rita French, delivered a statement during the 43rd Session of the HRC expressing concern at continuing human rights abuses. Although welcoming Eritrean acceptance of Universal Periodic Review recommendations and offering UK assistance in support of their implementation, she said that the UK would continue to press for the release of arbitrarily detained individuals including journalists, as well as reform of the National Service and freedom of religion or belief for worshippers of unregistered religions.During visits to Eritrea, the FCO's Head of East Africa Department, in November 2019, and the Home Office International Director, in February 2020, both raised human rights issues with senior members of the Eritrean Government, including Freedom of Expression and National Service. In April our Ambassador in Asmara raised the prospect of releasing prisoners given their increasing risk of infection from Covid-19 with the President's chief political adviser, Yemane Gebreab. Eritrea remains a priority country for the FCO under our annual human rights reporting, and we will continue to monitor the situation there.

Jamaica: Coronavirus

John Spellar: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 20 May 2020 to Question 47178 on Caribbean: Coronavirus, when the next flight is scheduled to repatriate people from Jamaica to the UK as a result of the covid-19 pandemic; and whether people with leave to remain in the UK will be able to board that flight.

Wendy Morton: The welfare of British nationals remains our top priority, and we remain committed to ensuring that British travellers around the globe are able to return home. The UK Government is working closely with airlines, local authorities and governments in the Caribbean region to help British travellers return to the UK as part of the plan announced by the Foreign Secretary on 30 March - with up to £75 million available for special charter flights from priority countries, focused on helping the most vulnerable travellers. Prior to 7 May the British High Commission in Kingston assisted over 4000 British travellers and their dependants to return home on commercial flights. A special Government charter flight returned over 200 people to the UK on 7 May.We are aware that there are still British travellers remaining overseas in the Caribbean region, including Jamaica. Our effort is focused on supporting their return as quickly and safely as possible. We are therefore operating a further special charter flight from Jamaica to the UK, departing Kingston on 3 June and a final flight on 8 June. Details of how to book are available on our Travel Advice for Jamaica. We are seeking to help vulnerable people with ILR wherever possible, provided that they have lived in the UK within the last year.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Staff

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many staff are employed by his Department; and what proportion of his Department's work is directed at each worldwide geographical region.

Nigel Adams: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Brazil: Indigenous Peoples and Rainforests

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent representations he has made to his Brazilian counterpart on (a) illegal logging and (b) the treatment of indigenous peoples in the Amazon.

Wendy Morton: The UK is working actively on the ground to support Brazil's efforts to tackle deforestation. Through the UK's International Climate Finance we run major programmes on both sustainable agriculture and deforestation. The UK is also committed to promoting and defending the human rights of all individuals including indigenous peoples. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and raise these critical issues in our dialogue with the Government.

South America: Coronavirus

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to help support South American countries tackle the covid-19 pandemic.

Wendy Morton: The coronavirus outbreak is the biggest public health emergency in a generation, and needs a strong and coordinated global health response. The UK Government is working with its South American counterparts, both bilaterally and via multilateral fora, to deliver a robust global response to the Covid-19 pandemic. This includes working with all our international partners, including the G7, G20, the EU, Commonwealth, NATO, the UN and other multilateral institutions, to provide direct funding to vulnerable countries to help them prepare their health systems, and to global organisations like the WHO to help slow the spread of the virus.As a force for good in the world, the UK has a longstanding record of supporting countries across the globe to prepare for large disease outbreaks, and we will continue to focus our efforts in the South American region on the key areas of reinforcing the resilience of vulnerable countries; pursuing a vaccine; and supporting the global economy.

Shafiqul Islam Kajol

Stephen Kinnock: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to his Bangladeshi counterpart on journalist Shafiqul Islam Kajol who was arrested in that country after being found on the border with India having previously disappeared for 53 days.

Nigel Adams: We continue to be concerned by government action against freedom of expression and Bangladesh remains a Human Rights Priority Country for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. We regularly engage with the Government of Bangladesh to address the full range of our human rights concerns, including freedom of expression. The Minister for South Asia stressed the importance of freedom of expression during a telephone call with Bangladesh's State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shahriar Alam, on 18 May 2020. We have also made public statements urging the government to engage constructively with civil society and the media to ensure that legislation such as the Digital Security Act is implemented in accordance with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, as well as the Constitution of Bangladesh. Our High Commissioner in Dhaka, alongside other local Ambassadors and High Commissioners, highlighted the global importance of access to information and freedom of expression in a tweet on 7 May 2020.

Eritrea: Human Rights

Sir George Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to the UN Human Rights Council on the renewal of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea.

James Duddridge: The UK is a strong supporter of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Eritrea and the important work that she does in challenging the government of Eritrea to improve its human rights record. This was reiterated by the UK's International Ambassador for Human Rights in her statement at the last session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) on 26 February. The HRC was suspended in March because of COVID-19, and arrangements to conclude the 43rd session and hold the 44th session have not yet been agreed. As the Minister of State responsible for Human Rights, Lord (Tariq) Ahmad of Wimbledon, told the High Commissioner for Human Rights on 20 May, the UK supports the safe resumption of the HRC in June. The UK believes that the Special Rapporteur's work on Eritrea needs to continue, and we would support a resolution renewing her mandate.

Indonesia: Homosexuality

Alex Sobel: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he has made to his Indonesian counterpart on that Government's Family Resilience Bill which would make homosexuality illegal in Indoniesia.

Nigel Adams: We have not made any representations with regards to this specific bill; our understanding is that it is not a Government bill.We closely monitor events in Indonesia that involve the LGBT community through our Embassy in Jakarta. The UK continues to advocate for minority rights, including lobbying the Government of Indonesia and other stakeholders, to ensure that any changes to Indonesian law do not discriminate against minority groups. The UK also organised a media freedom conference and workshop in December 2019, which supported media reporting on minority rights in Indonesia, including the LGBT community.

Syria: Humanitarian Aid

Anna McMorrin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what diplomatic discussions he has had with his counterparts in (a) Germany, (b) Belgium, (c) France and (d) China on the re-authorisation of the humanitarian aid border crossing at Al Yarubiyah in north-east Syria at the UN Security Council in January 2020.

Anna McMorrin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what diplomatic discussions he has had with his counterparts in UN Security Council member states on the authorisation of alternative humanitarian aid border crossings into north-east Syria.

James Cleverly: The UK strongly supports the re-authorisation of the Al Yaroubiyah border crossing to allow humanitarian aid into north-east Syria. As outlined in the UN Secretary General's report of February 2020, this remains the best route through which to deliver aid cross-border into north-east Syria. We have set out our position repeatedly at the UN Security Council, mostly recently on 19 May. The Foreign Secretary has raised this with his Russian, German and French counterparts and senior officials have discussed this with the other Security Council members including Belgium and China.

Syria: Humanitarian Aid

Anna McMorrin: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the progress in the negotiations to renew UN Security Council Resolution 2504.

James Cleverly: The UK is strongly committed to the renewal of UNSCR 2504 to enable continued cross-border humanitarian access into Syria. We have expressed this position repeatedly at the UN Security Council, mostly recently at the Syria Humanitarian session on 19 May, and have also engaged bilaterally with other Security Council members on this issue. Negotiations remain ongoing ahead of the expiry of the current resolution in July.

Amazonia: Rainforests

Catherine West: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he is making to his international counterparts on ending deforestation in the Amazon region.

Wendy Morton: The UK is committed to encouraging and contributing to international action to address the problem of deforestation in the Amazon region. Through our international network we support and regularly advocate for international cooperation on deforestation both bilaterally and through multilateral institutions such as the UN and the World Bank. Together with international partners, we have pledged to mobilise US $5 billion between 2015 and 2020 to help reduce deforestation and promote sustainable land use in the world's tropical forest basins, including the Amazon. We are also working with China, European partners, and the private sector to increase the incentives for a shift in farming that addresses deforestation.

Burma: Rohingya

Stephen Kinnock: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what recent representations he has made to the (a) government of Myanmar and (b) International Court of Justice requesting the publication of the first report of the Myanmar Government to the International Court of Justice on preventing further acts of genocide against the country's Muslim Rohingya minority in that country.

Nigel Adams: We continue to watch the Gambia's case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) closely. We understand that the report will only be provided to the Court and the parties at this stage rather than being made public. We have not yet made any formal representations, but we are clear that it is in the interests of transparency that Myanmar publishes its response to the ICJ. The Government of Myanmar should also set out a clear plan on how they will work to resolve the deep rooted issues in Rakhine State.

Pakistan: Coronavirus

Alan Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what estimate he has made of the number of UK (a) nationals and (b) residents residing in Scotland that are stranded in Pakistan as a result of the covid-19 pandemic.

Nigel Adams: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

British Nationals Abroad: Coronavirus

Alan Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how many repatriation flights the Government has chartered to date; and what the (a) departure airport and (b) UK arrival airport was of each flight.

Nigel Adams: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

Pakistan: Coronavirus

Alan Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the level of demand for repatriation flights from Pakistan to a Scottish airport.

Nigel Adams: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has indicated that it will not be possible to answer this question within the usual time period. An answer is being prepared and will be provided as soon as it is available.

British Nationals Abroad: Coronavirus

Alan Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, how much money from the public purse has been spent on repatriation flights to the UK.

Nigel Adams: The Government has committed up to £75 million to help thousands of British travellers return home and this work is ongoing. A proportion of this commitment has been spent to date across the repatriation effort - not only directly on the transport required to get people home - including charter flights to the UK - but also on the costs of ground transport and internal flights to get people to the departure airport. As with all spend, we are committed to ensuring value of money for the taxpayer. Provision of a detailed breakdown at this point would impact ongoing and future tenders for charter flights and include currently commercially sensitive information.

Gaza: Coronavirus

Abena Oppong-Asare: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what representations he plans to make to his Israeli counterpart on access to healthcare for Palestinians in Gaza affected by covid-19.

James Cleverly: I discussed our concerns about the impact of a COVID-19 outbreak in Gaza with the Israeli Ambassador to the UK on 31 March. The British Embassy in Tel Aviv are also in regular contact with the Israeli authorities and last raised access to healthcare for Palestinians in Gaza with them on 26 May. UN agencies, the Palestinian Authority and the Israeli Government are working together to ensure that essential medical supplies and staff are able to access Gaza. As I made clear during a meeting with Israeli Director General Rotem, Palestinian PM Shattyeh, and international donors on 2 June, we continue to welcome this ongoing cooperation. The UK is providing vital support to help respond to COVID-19 in the OPTs. Our $1 million funding contribution will enable the World Health Organization and UNICEF to purchase and co-ordinate the delivery of medical equipment, treat critical care patients, train frontline public health personnel and scale up laboratory testing capacity.

Burundi: Elections

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what assessment he has made of the (a) freedom, (b) fairness and (c) effectiveness of other elements of the conduct of the recent presidential election in Burundi.

James Duddridge: The UK notes irregularities reported by observers during the elections in Burundi on 20 May and remains concerned by reports of violence against political party members during the electoral period. Election day itself was broadly peaceful, which we have welcomed. We have taken note of the provisional presidential and parliamentary results and await the outcome of legal challenge by the opposition. We continue to call on all parties to resolve electoral disputes through legal mechanisms and to ensure a peaceful post-electoral environment.

Department for International Development

Government Departments: Overseas Aid

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, which Government Departments employ (a) a Head of, (b) a Director of or (c) a Director-General of Official Development Assistance; and what the (i) salary ranges and (ii) responsibilities of these positions were when the initial appointments were made.

Wendy Morton: In addition to those in the Department for International Development, there are several roles across Government for which oversight of Official Development Assistance (ODA) is part of responsibilities. These are important roles to ensure government departments are able to spend ODA as effectively as possible; some are listed here.HM Treasury, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), and Home Office employ Heads of ODA at Grade 7 with salary ranges of £47,044 - £64,498. Responsibilities include international development policy; setting, overseeing and managing risks around UK ODA; and ensuring ODA is effectively spent and aligned with wider foreign policy objectives.FCO’s Strategic Programmes Coordinator (salary range £90,000 - £94,999) leads on ODA policy for the FCO, and the Head of Portfolio Management Office (salary range £70,000 - £117,800) leads on ensuring all ODA programmes deliver value for money.The Office for National Statistics employ a Head of International Development at Grade 6 (salary range £57,721 to £71,259) responsible for designing and managing ODA projects using ONS expertise.The Department for International Trade and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) employ Deputy Directors of Development or ODA with responsibility for the development of ODA policy and strategy, and the governance and delivery of ODA spend.The Departments for Health and Social Care and Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy employ Deputy Directors whose roles include responsibility for managing their departments’ main ODA spending programmes. The salary range of these Deputy Director roles is £68,000 to £117,800.The Home Office has recently advertised for a Director of ODA (salary range £92,000 - £110,000), and Defra is currently recruiting for an additional Deputy Director who will be focused on Defra-wide ODA management.

Overseas Aid

Stephen Doughty: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, whether (a) she or (b) the Home Secretary will have final sign off on spending proposed by the Home Office Director of Official Development Assistance.

Wendy Morton: Official Development Assistance is subject to the same rules as all public expenditure. In line with HMT’s Managing Public Money guidance, the Home Secretary and her accounting officer hold financial responsibility and accountability to Parliament and UK taxpayers for their ODA spend.

World Health Organisation: Intellectual Property

Sarah Champion: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, whether it is the Government's policy to support calls for research projects funded through the COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator to be subject to mandatory inclusion into the World Health Organisation COVID-19 Intellectual Property Pool.

Wendy Morton: The UK has welcomed the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator since its launch on 24 April 2020. We look forward to further engagement with this collaborative arrangement and continue to support the work done under the ACT Accelerator to develop new vaccines, treatments and tests, and to accelerate global access to these essential health technologies for everyone. We are engaging with our international partners on the best ways to support equitable and affordable access to new innovations, and the UK is committed to collaborating with public and private partners in the UK and internationally. This includes exploring voluntary arrangements and approaches such as non-exclusive voluntary licensing, which promote affordable access for all while also providing incentives to create new inventions. We believe that a voluntary approach to intellectual property has advantages over mandatory approaches, and creates a sounder basis for long-lasting, beneficial relationships, and incentives to create new innovations.

World Health Organisation: Intellectual Property

Sarah Champion: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, following the World Health Assembly and pre-launch of the World Health Organisation (WHO) COVID-19 Intellectual Property Pool, whether the Government plans to support the WHO to establish an effective global pool of rights for Covid-19 health technologies.

Wendy Morton: The UK believes that a robust and fair intellectual property system is a key part of the innovation framework that allows economies to grow, while enabling society to benefit from knowledge and ideas. We have long supported affordable and equitable access to essential medicines, including in low and middle-income countries. We are committed to collaborating with public and private partners in the UK and internationally. This includes exploring voluntary arrangements and approaches that promote affordable access for all while also providing incentives to create new inventions, to accelerate development and equitable access in all countries and to ensure affordable health technologies for responding to COVID-19. There are a number of existing mechanisms that facilitate pooling and sharing intellectual property that could be expanded to cover COVID-19, such as the Medicines Patent Pool, which have the potential to provide a more efficient way forward than creating new mechanisms.

Developing Countries: Bank Services

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, with reference to her Department's press release, UK calls for global action to protect vital money transfers, published on 22 May 2020, what recent steps her Department has taken to make it easier for diaspora communities in the UK and other countries to continue to transfer money to their relatives during the covid-19 pandemic.

James Duddridge: Previous DFID support is already helping to make money transfers easier, by helping 65 million people in the poorest countries access digital financial services so they can receive funds – including from diaspora communities in the UK – via their mobile phones or online. DFID support is also helping to give 2 million more people access to digital remittance services so that they can send and receive money from home.In the crisis, the UK Government has made it clear that in the UK people can continue to visit money transfer businesses should they need to, while observing social distancing and staying safe.And as referenced in the question, the UK has launched – along with Switzerland, and with support from the World Bank and UN agencies – a global Call to Action on remittances, which calls on policymakers, regulators and remittance service providers round the world to take action to ensure that diaspora communities can continue to transfer money to their relatives during the crisis.

Developing Countries: Water

Fleur Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps her Department is taking to tackle disparities of access to water, sanitation and hygiene facilities in developing countries among (a) women and girls and (b) marginalised people and groups.

Wendy Morton: Women and girls are particularly disadvantaged when adequate water, sanitation and hygiene facilities are not available, as women bear the primary burden for collecting water. The DFID approval process screens all programmes for compliance with the International Development (Gender Equality) Act at the point of approval to assess whether a programme is likely to reduce gender inequalities. DFID water and sanitation programmes are targeted to people without access to water and sanitation, which includes marginalised people and groups. Of the water and sanitation results that have been disaggregated by gender from 2015 to 2019, DFID programmes have reached 18.6 million women.

Developing Countries: Water

Fleur Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps her Department is taking to improve water and sanitation systems in developing countries.

Wendy Morton: DFID funds water and sanitation improvements in developing countries. In 2018, the last year for which spend data is published, DFID spent £204 million on water and sanitation bilaterally. In the same year, the UK also spent approximately £275 million on water and sanitation through multilateral organisations. DFID funding has led to over 51 million people gaining access to improved drinking water or a toilet since 2015. This builds on our success in helping over 64 million gain access to water and sanitation services between 2011 and 2015.

Developing Countries: Water

Fleur Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what discussions she has had with non-governmental organisations on improving water, sanitation and hygiene access in the response to the covid-19 pandemic.

Wendy Morton: Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are major partners for delivering DFID water and sanitation programmes and accounted for about a third of the results achieved over the last ten years. The UK has pledged new funding for civil society to support the international COVID-19 response, including £20 million for international NGOs. Since the onset of the pandemic DFID has increased our work with NGOs on water, sanitation and hygiene. Nine NGOs are now funded under a new partnership with Unilever on the COVID-19 response. I personally met NGO heads, including the WaterAid CEO, for discussions on the COVID-19 response last month.

Developing Countries: Water

Fleur Anderson: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps her Department is taking to raise the importance at multilateral level of water, sanitation and hygiene in responding to the covid-19 pandemic in developing countries.

Wendy Morton: Alongside our own bilateral programme funding, DFID seeks to influence multilateral organisations to improve the quality of water, sanitation and hygiene in the international COVID-19 response. We have funded a hub at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine to provide evidence and advice to all partners including multilateral organisations on hygiene elements of the COVID-19 response. DFID provides funding to the Public Health Department of the World Health Organisation to provide international technical leadership on the response. We announced funding to UNICEF’s COVID-19 appeal, and DFID is a founding member of the Sanitation and Water for All partnership, which convenes parties including multilaterals on COVID-19 action. I recently spoke on a panel with the World Bank, UNICEF and African Development Bank on the importance water, sanitation and hygiene in the international COVID-19 response.

Yemen: Humanitarian Aid

Anna McMorrin: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what outcomes were agreed on 23 April 2020 during discussions between her Department's Acting Permanent Secretary and the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs on international humanitarian funding levels in Yemen.

James Cleverly: On Thursday 23 April, DFID’s Acting Permanent Secretary discussed the worsening humanitarian situation in Yemen and the urgent need for additional funding with UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Mark Lowcock.The UN has requested over $2.4 billion of funding to be able to respond to the humanitarian crisis in Yemen until the end of this year.I announced on 2 June that the UK will provide £160 million in response to Yemen’s humanitarian crisis this financial year (2020/21). This brings our overall commitment to Yemen to £970 million since the conflict began in 2015.

Developing Countries: Climate Change

Preet Kaur Gill: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps she is taking to ensure that the funding her Department commits to tackling the covid-19 pandemic in developing countries does not negatively affect programmes to tackle climate change.

James Duddridge: Tackling climate change and building resilience remain priorities for the Government. Our international response to COVID-19 is focused on securing a strong global health response, accelerating the search for a vaccine and new treatments, and supporting the global economy. We believe that there is a connection between healthy lives, healthy societies and a healthy environment.The steps taken to support and rebuild economies will have an impact on future sustainability, resilience and well-being. At the invitation of the United Nations Secretary General, the Prime Minister recently addressed other world leaders on ‘recovering better for sustainability,’ and as we prepare for COP26, the Government is urging the world to take the opportunity to make the recovery clean, inclusive and resilient.

Africa: Coronavirus

Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what assessment she has made of the potential humanitarian and security effects on (a) Somalia and (b) other African countries of reductions in remittances as a result of the covid-19 pandemic.

James Duddridge: The Government recognises the vital role remittances play in supporting the incomes of millions of people around the world and the challenge posed by COVID-19 to these flows. Recent projections by the World Bank’s suggest that remittances to sub-Saharan Africa will fall by around 23% - or USD 11 billion – in 2020. In Somalia, remittances represented more than one quarter of GDP in 2019, and on average made up a third of total income for households that received them.We are deeply concerned about the combined impacts of COVID-19 with ongoing conflict and climate-induced natural disasters in Somalia and other African countries, where millions of people already face food insecurity caused by humanitarian disasters and conflict. This situation will be compounded by a reduction in remittances.We are working closely with our international partners to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on remittance flows. On Friday 22 May, the UK and Swiss Governments, with the support of the World Bank and other partners, launched a global Call to Action on remittances. This called on policymakers, regulators and remittance service providers to take action to keep remittances flowing during the crisis.

Department for Education

Schools: Coronavirus

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment his Department has made of the effect of school closures on children and young people’s (a) mental health and (b) academic attainment in the 2020-21 school year.

Vicky Ford: The department is continuing to assess the impact of the potential effect of school closure on children and young people’s mental health and education attainment. We are working closely with educational institutions, sector organisations, the Department for Health and Social Care, NHS England and Public Health England to understand the risks to education attainment, mental health and wellbeing and identify the children and young people that need help.The government remains committed to promoting and supporting the mental health of children and young people. Access to mental health support is more important than ever during the COVID-19 outbreak. NHS services remain open, leading mental health charities are being supported to deliver additional services through the £5 million Coronavirus Mental Health Response Fund. All NHS Mental Health Trusts have been asked to ensure there are 24/7 open access telephone lines to support people of all ages. Public Health England and Health Education England have developed advice and guidance for parents and professionals on supporting children and young people's mental health and wellbeing, which is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-supporting-children-and-young-peoples-mental-health-and-wellbeing.Pupil wellbeing is an important consideration within our guidance on actions for educational and childcare settings as they begin to open in June 2020, which is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-educational-and-childcare-settings-to-prepare-for-wider-opening-from-1-june-2020.From the week commencing 1 June 2020, primary schools have been welcoming back children in nursery, reception, year 1 and year 6, alongside priority groups (vulnerable children and children of critical workers). From 15 June 2020, secondary schools will provide some face-to-face support for young people in year 10 and year 12. We want to get all children and young people back into education as soon as the scientific advice allows because it is the best place for them to learn, and because we know how important it is for their mental wellbeing to have social interactions with their peers, carers and teachers.The department continues to work with the education sector on how best to make up for lost time with the phased return to schools for the 2020-21 school year.

Children and Young People: Coronavirus

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps the Government is taking to ensure that children and young people are adequately informed on how to maintain mental wellbeing (a) while the covid-19 restrictions are in place and (b) as covid-19 restrictions are lifted.

Vicky Ford: The government remains committed to promoting and supporting the mental health of children and young people. Access to mental health support is more important than ever during the COVID-19 outbreak. NHS services remain open, leading mental health charities are being supported to deliver additional services through the £5 million Coronavirus Mental Health Response Fund. All NHS Mental Health Trusts have been asked to ensure there are 24/7 open access telephone lines to support people of all ages. Public Health England and Health Education England have developed advice and guidance for parents and professionals on supporting children and young people's mental health and wellbeing, which is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-supporting-children-and-young-peoples-mental-health-and-wellbeing.The department has signposted resources on supporting and promoting mental wellbeing among the list of resources to help children to learn at home. BBC Bitesize has worked with the department to provide content with substantial focus on mental health, wellbeing and pastoral care. The list of resources is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-online-education-resources.The return to school will in itself be part of supporting the mental health and wellbeing of pupils as attendance enables social interaction with peers, carers and teachers. Pupil wellbeing is an important consideration within our guidance on actions for educational and childcare settings as they begin to open in June 2020, which is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-educational-and-childcare-settings-to-prepare-for-wider-opening-from-1-june-2020.Children and young people can access free confidential support anytime from government-backed voluntary and community sector organisations by texting SHOUT to 85258 or by calling Childline on 0800 1111 or the Mix on 0808 808 4994. Children and young people can also find online information on COVID-19 and mental health on the Young Minds website, which is available here: https://youngminds.org.uk/about-us/reports/coronavirus-impact-on-young-people-with-mental-health-needs/.

Teachers: Coronavirus

Feryal Clark: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what guidance the Government has provided for teachers returning to work who live with (a) partners and (b) children with (i) asthma, (ii) chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or (iii) another health concern categorised as at risk from covid-19.

Nick Gibb: Guidance on GOV.UK on implementing protective measures in schools and nurseries provides advice to staff and pupils who are shielding or clinically vulnerable, or are living with a shielded or clinically vulnerable person: That guidance can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-implementing-protective-measures-in-education-and-childcare-settings/coronavirus-covid-19-implementing-protective-measures-in-education-and-childcare-settings.Clinically vulnerable people are those considered to be at a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. This includes anyone who has asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Clinically vulnerable people have been advised to take extra care in observing social distancing and should work from home where possible. Schools should endeavour to support this, for example by asking staff to support remote education, carry out lesson planning or other roles which can be done from home. If clinically vulnerable individuals cannot work from home, they should be offered the safest available on-site roles, staying 2 metres away from others wherever possible.If a member of staff lives with someone who is clinically vulnerable (but not clinically extremely vulnerable) they can attend their school or nursery.Some people have been informed that they are clinically extremely vulnerable and have been advised to follow shielding guidance. They should therefore not attend work. Some people with severe COPD or severe asthma may have been classed as clinically extremely vulnerable, and will have received a letter informing them of this.If a member of staff member lives in a household with someone who is extremely clinically vulnerable, it is advised they only attend work if stringent 2m distancing can be adhered to. If it cannot be adhered to, we do not expect those individuals to attend and they should be supported to work at home.Detailed guidance on shielding and protecting people who are clinically extremely vulnerable from COVID-19 is available on GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19/guidance-on-shielding-and-protecting-extremely-vulnerable-persons-from-covid-19#work-and-employment-for-those-who-are-shielding.

Free School Meals: Voucher Schemes

Alex Norris: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether it is the Government's policy that the school meal voucher scheme provided by Edenred and other providers is a temporary measure during the covid-19 outbreak.

Alex Norris: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether schools should be serving their pupils with meals provided by their usual suppliers when schools reopen for (a) some year groups on 1 June 2020 and (b) all year groups when lockdown restrictions are eased during the covid-19 outbreak.

Alex Norris: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if he will take steps to encourage schools to use their school meal providers to provide school meals when schools reopen on 1 June 2020 during the covid-19 outbreak.

Alex Norris: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if his Department will provide further guidance to schools on using their usual school meal providers when schools reopen during the covid-19 outbreak.

Vicky Ford: Around 1.3 million children are eligible for and claiming benefits-related free school meals. During this period, we are asking schools to support these children by providing meals or food parcels through their existing food providers wherever possible. We know that many schools are successfully delivering food parcels or arranging food collections for eligible children and we encourage this approach where it is possible. However, we recognise that providing meals and food parcels is not a practicable option for all schools. That is why on 31 March we launched a national voucher scheme as an alternative option, with costs covered by the Department for Education. The purpose of the voucher scheme is to ensure children eligible for benefits related free school meals who are not in school will continue to have access while schools are closed to most pupils due to the COVID-19 outbreak. It is not intended to replace long term contractual arrangements. Guidance on providing free school meals has been updated to reflect that, as schools open more widely and their kitchens reopen, they should provide meal options for all children who are in school, free of charge for those eligible for free schools meals, and should make food parcels available for collection or delivery for any children that are eligible for free school meals who are staying at home. If schools are unable to provide food parcels, they can continue using the national voucher scheme to provide vouchers for children at home. Schools can also apply to be reimbursed for any additional costs associated with providing free school meals at this time, where those costs are not covered by the national voucher scheme: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance-for-schools. The latest advice on free school meals is available on the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance/covid-19-free-school-meals-guidance-for-schools.

Further Education: Finance

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether the Government plans to allocate additional  to support colleges providing education to 16-18 year olds from September 2020.

Gillian Keegan: The government previously announced on 31 August 2019 that it will invest an extra £400 million in 16 to 19 education in 2020-21. This is the largest injection of money in a single year since 2010 and represents an increase of 7% in overall 16 to 19 funding. As part of this, the base rate of 16 to 19 funding will increase by 4.7% in the academic year 2020/21, from £4,000 to £4,188.The Education and Skills Funding Agency allocations for 2020-21 have been confirmed, and payments will be made in line with the national profile, which will be confirmed in the relevant 2020-21 funding rules. This should provide the funding certainty required to address the impact of responding to COVID-19.

Children: Coronavirus

Richard Burgon: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, pursuant to the Answer of 20 May 2020 to Question 47377 on Children: Coronavirus, if he will publish the estimates referred to in that Answer of the number of eligible children that do not have access to a device.

Nick Gibb: The Department is providing laptops and tablets to support disadvantaged children who would otherwise not have access and are preparing for examination in Year 10, receiving support from a social worker or are a care leaver.The Department has allocated devices to local authorities and academy trusts based on its estimates of the number of eligible children that do not have access to a device. The Department estimated there were up to 220,000 eligible children without access to a device. These estimates were based on the proportion of children in receipt of Free School Meals, an estimate of private devices ownership and an estimate of existing devices held by schools which could be loaned out to meet the needs of these children.

Schools: Protective Clothing

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps he plans to take to ensure that each school has the right quantity and quality of personal protective equipment (PPE) according to their respective risk assessments; and how that PPE will be funded.

Nick Gibb: We have worked closely with Public Health England (PHE) and stakeholders to develop guidance on a hierarchy of controls for all nurseries and schools which, when implemented, will create an inherently safer system where the risk of transmission of the infection is substantially reduced. These include protective measures such as ensuring that anyone with symptoms does not attend their education settings, promoting high standards of hand and respiratory hygiene, regular cleaning of touched surfaces, and minimising contact and mixing.Our guidance also outlines that PPE is only needed within schools in a very small number of cases. In these very specific circumstances, schools and nurseries should use their local supply chains to obtain PPE. If schools and nurseries cannot obtain the PPE they need, they should approach their local authority (LA) who should support them to access local PPE markets and available stock locally. If the LA is not able to meet any urgent unmet PPE needs, the LA should approach their nearest local resilience forum (LRF) which will allocate stock if it is available.Schools will continue to receive their core funding allocations through which PPE should be funded.The full guidance on safe working in education, childcare and children’s social care settings, including the use of PPE, can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/safe-working-in-education-childcare-and-childrens-social-care/safe-working-in-education-childcare-and-childrens-social-care-settings-including-the-use-of-personal-protective-equipment-ppe.

Foster Care: Coronavirus

Dan Jarvis: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what plans he has to extend the additional therapeutic support available to adoptive families through the Adoptive Support Fund to fostering families during the covid-19 outbreak.

Vicky Ford: There are no plans to extend eligibility to the fund to foster families during the COVID-19 outbreak because this fund is focused on adoptive families.However, the government has provided over £3.2 billion of additional funding to support local authorities in meeting COVID-19 related pressures, including within children’s social care. We will keep this under very close review over the coming weeks and months.The government is providing free IT devices and equipment for children who do not currently have access to these, including children living with foster carers, to access services and support they need.We are continuing to work with fostering services and sector organisations to better understand the specific challenges that foster carers are facing in order to ensure the right level of support is put in place. This includes working closely with Fosterline, an independent advice and support line funded by the department, to consider what additional support can be offered to foster families struggling at this time.

Private Education: Social Distancing

Theresa Villiers: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether private schools with pupil numbers of less than 30 are permitted to re-open to all year groups so long as social distancing rules are complied with.

Theresa Villiers: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether independent schools are permitted to re-open for Year 8 pupils which, in the independent schools system, is often the year before which they move on to secondary education.

Nick Gibb: We want to get all children back into education as soon as the scientific advice allows. As set out in the guidance, we have asked primary schools to welcome back children in nursery, Reception, year 1 and year 6, alongside priority groups. We are also asking secondary schools, sixth form and further education colleges to offer some face-to-face support to supplement the remote education of year 10 and year 12 students and 16 to 19 learners in the first year of their course who are due to take key exams next year. This request applies to all schools, including in the independent sector, and including small schools and schools with alternative exam arrangements, transition years, curricula and pedagogy.It is important that only the requested cohorts return at this time. As the guidance states, we are prioritising younger children in the first phases of wider opening, for several reasons. Firstly, because there is moderately high scientific confidence in evidence suggesting younger children are less likely to become unwell if infected with COVID-19; and secondly because evidence shows the particularly detrimental impact which time spent out of education can have upon them. In addition, older children are more likely to have higher numbers of contacts outside of school so pose a greater transmission risk, and they are typically better able to learn at home. It is therefore important that schools adhere to the guidance to ensure that only students that have been prioritised return to school, in the numbers and groupings that have been considered, minimising risks for them and their wider social groups and households.

Children: Social Services

Sir Desmond Swayne: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what the timeframe is for the ending of the provisions in the Coronavirus Act 2020 in relation to duties on local authorities under Section 42 of the Children and Families Act  2014.

Vicky Ford: My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State, has issued a notice to modify temporarily the duty on local authorities and health commissioning bodies to secure or arrange the provision specified in education, health and care (EHC) plans, so that they can discharge this by using their ‘reasonable endeavours’. The modified duty applies to all local authorities and health commissioning bodies in England.The maximum period for which a notice can be issued is a month, although the Secretary of State can issue a further notice if necessary. The current notice is in force from 1 to 30 June 2020 (inclusive), following a notice that was issued for the month of May.We are committed to ceasing this temporary change to the duty on local authorities and health commissioning bodies to secure or arrange the provision specified in EHC plans at the earliest opportunity. We will continue to work with a range of stakeholders, including representative bodies for local authorities and parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and a number of specialist SEND organisations, to keep this measure under close review and to inform decisions as to whether or not further notices should be issued.

Special Educational Needs: Coronavirus

Jess Phillips: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps the Government is taking to ensure that Education, Health and Care plans are met as schools reopen during the covid-19 outbreak.

Vicky Ford: Children and young people with education, health and care (EHC) plans are expected to attend education settings if, following a risk assessment, it is determined that their needs can be as safely or more safely met in the educational environment.We have recently published guidance that sets out how schools should be supporting children and young people with EHC plans as schools and colleges prepare for wider opening: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-send-risk-assessment-guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-send-risk-assessment-guidance. In that guidance, we are clear that children and young people with EHC plans in mainstream and Alternative Provision settings who have not been attending and are in eligible year groups, should experience the same return to settings as their peers, informed by their risk assessment. Specialist settings should work towards welcoming back as many children and young people as can be safely catered for in their setting.However, there are various reasons as to why it may not possible for all children and young people to attend education settings on a full time basis (for example, because they are clinically extremely vulnerable, or they attend a specialist setting that is operating an attendance rota). As a result, it may be impossible for local authorities and commissioning health bodies to carry out their normal statutory duty to secure or arrange in full the special educational provision that would normally be delivered through a full-time placement in an education setting. Examples of this include social skills training in small groups, or the delivery of a personalised curriculum with 1-1 support from a teaching assistant.Because of these exceptional circumstances, my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education, has issued a notice to modify temporarily this duty, so that they can discharge this by using their ‘reasonable endeavours’. The modified duty applies to all local authorities and health commissioning bodies in England. The current notice is in force from 1 June to 30 June 2020 (inclusive), following a notice that was issued for the month of May. The Secretary of State can issue a further notice if necessary.The modified duty relates to the provision for each individual child and young person. Local authorities and health commissioning bodies must not apply blanket policies about the provision to be secured or arranged. Instead, in deciding what provision must be secured or arranged in discharge of its modified duty, the local authority and health commissioning body should work with education settings and other partners to consider: specific local circumstances; the needs of, and circumstances specific to, each child and young person with an EHC plan; and the views of children, young people and their parents as to what might be appropriate.We are committed to ceasing this temporary change to the duty on local authorities and health commissioning bodies at the earliest opportunity and are keeping this under close review.

Schools: Coronavirus

Jess Phillips: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps he is taking to ensure that children of key workers in all school year groups can still attend school as schools partially return with the proscribed year groups during the covid-19 outbreak.

Nick Gibb: The Department has provided guidance setting out that the children of critical workers will continue to be prioritised for education provision regardless of the year group they are in: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision. It makes clear that, now that we have made progress in reducing the transmission of COVID-19, we are encouraging all eligible children, including children of critical workers, to attend nurseries and schools (where there are no shielding concerns for the child or their household), even if parents are able to keep their children at home. The Department has also published guidance for schools to prepare for wider opening: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-for-educational-and-childcare-settings-to-prepare-for-wider-opening-from-1-june-2020/actions-for-education-and-childcare-settings-to-prepare-for-wider-opening-from-1-june-2020. This explains that if primary schools cannot reach an arrangement that enables all eligible children to attend consistently, schools should focus first on continuing to provide places for priority groups of all year groups (children of critical workers and vulnerable children).The advice to secondary schools on preparing for wider opening from the 15 June states that children of critical workers and vulnerable children in all year groups should be encouraged to attend school full-time.

Home Education: Computers

Ms Angela Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the announcement by the Government on 19 April 2020 that disadvantaged children would receive laptops for home education during the covid-19 outbreak, what criteria his Department used to determine which children would be eligible for those laptops.

Ms Angela Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the Government's announcement on 19 April 2020 that disadvantaged young people will receive free laptops for home education during the covid-19 outbreak, when those laptops will be provided to children in schools in Wallasey constituency.

Nick Gibb: The Government has committed over £100 million to support vulnerable and disadvantaged children in England to access remote education and social care services, including by providing laptops, tablets and 4G wireless routers.The Department is providing laptops and tablets to disadvantaged children who would otherwise not have access and are preparing for examination in Year 10, receiving support from a social worker or are a care leaver. Where care leavers, children with a social worker at secondary school and children in Year 10 do not have internet connections, we are providing 4G wireless routers.The Department has ordered over 200,000 laptops and tablets and allocated devices to local authorities and academy trusts based on its estimates of the number of eligible children that do not have access to a device. Local authorities and academy trusts are best placed to identify and prioritise children and young people who need devices.The Department is providing these devices in the shortest possible timeframe; deliveries to schools and local authorities started in May and will continue in June.

Foster Care

Mr Virendra Sharma: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether his Department has taken steps to monitor the potential effect of care proceedings on children who have had their contact with their birth family suspended.

Vicky Ford: The potential effect of care proceedings on children who have had their contact with their birth family suspended will continue to be considered by judges as part of individual care proceedings.The department has published guidance on children in care and contact with their families while the government’s social distancing guidance remains in force. The guidance makes clear that contact between looked-after children and their birth parents must continue but may be more appropriate to take place virtually at this time: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-childrens-social-care-services/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-local-authorities-on-childrens-social-care.We are also aware that the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory commissioned an urgent new research project, Understanding how children’s connections to birth families are being managed during social isolation. This showed that those taking part in our study reported widespread use of video calls by and for children in residential, foster and kinship care.

Pupils: Travellers

Conor McGinn: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps he is taking to tackle the effect of digital exclusion on the levels of educational attainment among children from Gypsy, Roma and Traveller backgrounds during the covid-19 outbreak.

Nick Gibb: The Department has met with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) stakeholders to discuss the issues faced by children and young people during the COVID-19 outbreak. Their input has been shared with teams working on vulnerable children, exclusions and remote education to help inform policy decisions. The Department recognises that GRT children are a particularly vulnerable group at this time. Laptops and tablets have been ordered for vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people who do not have access to one and are preparing for exams in Year 10, receiving support from a social worker or are a care leaver. Where care leavers, children with a social worker at secondary school and disadvantaged children in Year 10 do not have internet connections, we will be providing 4G wireless routers. Schools and families are also able to access support from the BBC, which is broadcasting lessons on television, and may choose to draw on the many educational resources offers made by publishers across the country.

Cambridge University and Oxford University: Admissions

Neil O'Brien: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to the Answer of 5 June 2003 to Question HL2549, how many students entered (a) Oxford and (b) Cambridge universities from (i) UK independent (ii) UK state schools (iii) other and overseas (iv) in total.

Michelle Donelan: The latest data published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) for the academic year 2018/19 is shown in the attached table.Information on the type of school that entrants to the University of Oxford or the University of Cambridge have come from is only published for entrants under the age of 21. This is because the data collected is the previous educational provider that was attended by the entrant. Therefore, for mature students entering the University of Oxford or the University of Cambridge, this may relate to study subsequent to key stage 5.



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Schools: Coronavirus

Theresa Villiers: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the National Education Union's five tests for Government before schools can reopen.

Nick Gibb: On 28 May, my right hon. Friend, the Prime Minister announced that the Government’s five tests had been met. Based on all the evidence, the decision was made to progress with wider opening of schools from 1 June. The Department has been engaging with the National Education Union throughout the COVID-19 outbreak, including in relation to transmission rates, social distancing, testing, managing infection and protection for the most vulnerable. Our guidance on protective measures sets out the steps schools should take to reduce the risk of transmission: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-implementing-protective-measures-in-education-and-childcare-settings/coronavirus-covid-19-implementing-protective-measures-in-education-and-childcare-settings.

Students: Wales

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what discussions he has had with Welsh Ministers on imposing a cap on the number of English-domiciled students studying in Wales.

Michelle Donelan: My right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education, and I have regular meetings with Welsh ministers, and ministers from all the devolved administrations, about higher education issues. Meetings have included discussions on the development of student number controls policy.Officials in the department also have regular meetings and discussions with their counterparts. Following the COVID-19 outbreak, we will continue to work closely with the devolved administrations on strengthening and stabilising the higher education system.Student number controls for institutions in the devolved administrations only apply to the number of English-domiciled entrants who will be supported with their tuition fees through the Student Loans Company. The funding of English-domiciled students is not a devolved matter, and it is right and fair that this policy should apply consistently wherever they are studying in the UK.

Schools: Food

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent representations he has received on revising the school food standards to remove the requirement to serve animal products.

Vicky Ford: The School Food Standards provide the legislative framework to ensure schools provide children with healthy food and drink options and to make sure that children receive the energy and nutrition they need across the school day. Compliance with the School Food Standards is mandatory for all maintained schools. We also expect all academies and free schools to comply with the standards and, since 2014, we have made this an explicit requirement in their funding agreements. Beyond this, we believe that headteachers, school governors and caterers are best placed to make decisions about their school food policies, taking into account local circumstances and the needs of their pupils. In doing so, we expect schools to make reasonable adjustments for pupils with particular requirements (for example, to reflect dietary and cultural needs). As part of our last update to the School Food Standards, we ran a public consultation on the new regulations between 6 March and 16 April 2014. The new standards were tested by 31 schools and 24 caterers from across England, overseen with positive outcomes by a group of school catering experts and nutritionists. These outcomes were fed into the proposed version of the standards that went out for public consultation in March 2014. We are currently working with Public Health England to update the School Food Standards again in light of refreshed government dietary recommendations. We have an advisory group in place to support us with this work. It is comprised of key stakeholders in the food, nutrition and health sectors who have a high level of knowledge and expertise on school food.

Schools: Food

Kerry McCarthy: To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of current school food standards in (a) promoting good health and (b) tackling obesity, malnutrition and other diet-related conditions among school pupils.

Vicky Ford: The government encourages all schools to promote healthy eating and to provide tasty and nutritious food and drink. Compliance with the School Food Standards (http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2014/1603/contents/made) is mandatory for all maintained schools. We also expect all academies and free schools to comply with the standards and, since 2014, we have made this an explicit requirement in their funding agreements. The School Food Standards came in to force from January 2015 and have been widely welcomed. As new advice on nutrition and sugar consumption has since been published, the Department for Education, supported by Public Health England, will update the School Food Standards. The update, which will be comprehensive on reducing sugar consumption, will be coupled with detailed guidance to caterers and schools so they are well prepared to adapt to the changes. Healthy eating is also covered in health education that all schools will have to teach from this year, with voluntary teaching starting from last year. By the end of primary school, pupils should know what constitutes a healthy diet (including understanding calories and other nutritional content) and the principles of planning and preparing a range of healthy meals. They should also know the characteristics of a poor diet and risks associated with unhealthy eating (including, for example, obesity and tooth decay) and other eating or drinking habits (for example, the impact of alcohol on diet or health). By the end of secondary school, pupils should know how to maintain healthy eating and the links between a poor diet and health risks.

Leader of the House

Programme Motions

Owen Thompson: To ask the Leader of the House, whether he plans to provide additional time in programme motions for House Business as a result of the additional time required for divisions in the  House while social distancing measures are in place.

Mr Jacob Rees-Mogg: The division lobbies have been replaced by a more appropriate alternative and I pay tribute to Mr Speaker for his work to devise a method of voting that allows us to vote in person but is also safe and in line with Public Health England advice.I was pleased to see that the time taken for divisions decreased significantly over the course of the day, as members became more used to the new process.On the specific question of programme motions, it is for the House to agree any programme motions in the usual way.

House of Commons: Coronavirus

Marion Fellows: To ask the Leader of the House, what plans he has to enable hon. Members that are required to self-isolate as a result of a (a) contact identified through the Government’s test, trace, isolate programme, (b) a positive test for covid-19 by (i) themselves and (ii) a member of their household and (c) member of their household displays symptoms of covid-19 to participate in  (A) votes and (b) parliamentary proceedings.

Mr Jacob Rees-Mogg: I would encourage all MPs that are able to do so to return to Parliament. I recognise that health is a personal matter and MPs with health concerns will need to make their own decision about what is appropriate for them. My expectation is that the pairing arrangements will apply to members in cases of illness in the usual way.For those Members unable to attend Westminster for medical or public health reasons related to the pandemic, I have tabled a motion to allow participation in proceedings on Questions, Urgent Questions and Statements virtually. The Government has also committed to enabling proxy voting for those who are shielding or clinically vulnerable.

Members: Quarantine

Martyn Day: To ask the Leader of the House, what arrangements are in place to support hon. Members required to self isolate for 14 days following contact from covid-19 track and trace contact centres while away from home in London attending Parliament.

Mr Jacob Rees-Mogg: Hon. Members are entitled to the same support as anyone who is self isolating, and advice on what to do in that situation can be found on the government website.

Members: Quarantine

Martyn Day: To ask the Leader of the House, whether hon. Members contacted by covid-19 track and trace contact centres while in London should return home to their constituency or remain in London.

Martyn Day: To ask the Leader of the House, what steps hon. Members should take and where they should travel to if contacted by covid-19 track and trace contact centres while en-route between their constituency and Parliament and told to self-isolate.

Mr Jacob Rees-Mogg: I recognise that Members’ health is a personal matter. If a Member is contacted by covid-19 track and trace contact centres they must follow advice in line with public health. This may mean that they need to self isolate and avoid using public transport to reduce risk to others. I trust all members, as dedicated public servants, to follow this advice diligently.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Food Poverty

Rachael Maskell: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions has he had with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to ensure that local authorities have adequate resources to tackle food poverty.

Victoria Prentis: Defra and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government have been working together closely on issues relating to food accessibility and affordability. Local authorities and their local partners have worked extremely hard to help people with urgent needs. They are best placed to understand and respond to the needs of their communities. The Government has agreed to provide £1.6 billion of additional funding to local authorities to help them to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic, including supporting those who need help to access food. The Government is also supporting local authorities in identifying at-risk groups, signposting and matching needs to services, engaging volunteers and supporting the voluntary and community sector. In direct response to the Covid-19 outbreak, the Department for Work and Pensions has increased Universal Credit and Working Tax Credit by over £1,000 a year for this financial year, benefiting over 4 million households, and increased Local Housing Allowance rates - putting an average of £600 into people's pockets. Taken together, these measures provide over £6.5 billion of additional support through the welfare system for people affected by Covid-19. The Government has also announced further support of up to £16 million to provide food for those who are struggling as a result of the Covid-19 crisis. The programme will provide millions of meals over the next 12 weeks and be delivered through charities including FareShare and the Waste and Resources Action Programme. At least 5,000 frontline charities in England will benefit, including refuges, homeless shelters and rehabilitation services. It will cover rural areas as well as cities, targeting those who are struggling to get food.

Dairy Farming: Coronavirus

Matt Western: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of Government support for the dairy industry during the covid-19 lockdown.

Victoria Prentis: The Government has continued to engage closely with representatives from all parts of the dairy supply chain throughout this difficult period to assess the challenges facing the industry and to ensure that appropriate financial support is provided. The vast majority of Britain’s dairy farmers continue to supply their contracts at or around the usual price. Approximately 5% of total milk production, however, goes to the service trade. A small proportion of farmers supplying milk to processors that sell into the food service sector have seen a reduction in demand with the closure of food service. A small proportion of suppliers have therefore seen a reduction in demand. We have provided a range of support to help these affected farmers. At the outset of the pandemic, the Government announced a number of emergency measures to support farmers, processors and retailers. These include designating the food sector as critical to the response, with people working in the production, processing, sale, distribution or delivery of food categorised as key workers, and granting derogations on drivers’ hours limitations. In addition, to support milk producers, the Government announced on 17 April a temporary easing of some elements of competition law to make it easier for the dairy industry to come together to maximise production, processing and storage efficiency and to ensure that as much product as possible can be processed into high quality dairy products. This Statutory Instrument was laid on 1 May and applies retrospectively from 1 April. On 6 May we announced a new scheme specifically to provide support to eligible dairy farmers in England who have lost more than 25% of their income over April and May because of coronavirus disruptions. This will provide farmers with funding of up to £10,000 each to cover 70% of their lost income during the qualifying period, enabling them to continue to operate and to sustain production capacity without impacts on animal welfare. Defra and the devolved administrations are also jointly contributing towards financing the new £1 million campaign by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board and Dairy UK to drive an increase in the consumption of milk. Running over 12 weeks, the campaign is highlighting the role that milk plays in supporting moments of personal connection during times of crisis. Our Coronavirus Business Interruption Loans Scheme is available to farmers, milk buyers and processors. Responding to industry feedback on this scheme, Defra held urgent discussions with the major banks to ensure they understand that farmers, milk buyers and milk processors are eligible. In addition, the new Bounce Back Loan scheme, which applies to businesses operating in agriculture, ensures that the smallest businesses can access loans up to £50,000. To give lenders the confidence they need, we have provided them with a 100% guarantee on each loan and will cover the first 12 months of interest payments and fees. Public intervention for skimmed milk powder (SMP) and butter continues to be available in the UK. Alongside this we have also ensured the availability to UK dairy processors of private storage aid for cheese, butter and SMP. These measures will help to underpin prices, providing a floor in the market by reducing the volume of product coming on to the market. We will continue to engage with the dairy industry throughout this period of disruption to monitor the impact of the range of financial and other measures we have implemented, ensuring that the sector continues to have the support that it needs.

Horticulture: Coronavirus

Sir John Hayes: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential effect on the adequacy of Government biosecurity and plant health strategies from a contraction in the size and output of the domestic ornamental horticulture sector as a result of the covid-19 outbreak.

Victoria Prentis: COVID-19 represents a significant challenge to daily life and every part of the economy, including the ornamental horticulture sector. The Government continues to work closely with representatives from the horticulture supply chain to assess the short-term and long-term impacts on the sector. We have robust policies and strategies in place to protect the UK’s plant biosecurity and we continually review any wider impacts that our plant biosecurity approach may have on industry sectors and other stakeholder groups, including as a result of COVID-19. Defra officials meet frequently with relevant organisations to discuss such developments through the UK Plant Health Advisory Forum.

Agriculture: Seasonal Workers

Chi Onwurah: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what technology his Department is supporting to enable people to apply for the pick for Britain programme; and whether that technology is compatible with other apps enabling people to work in the food sector during the covid-19 outbreak..

Victoria Prentis: The Government is working closely with industry to ensure our food supply chains remain resilient and to help our world-leading farmers and growers access the labour they need over the busy harvest months, to ensure our excellent fruit and vegetables are on people’s plates over the summer months. Recruitment efforts are underway by industry and we are encouraging as many people as possible to take up seasonal work on farms. The Pick for Britain website is a recently launched joint Defra and industry initiative to bring together people who are looking for work on UK farms with recruiters who have roles to fill. These jobs are being uploaded regularly via campaigns being run by recruiters specialising in seasonal work, so we would encourage people to check the Jobs page on www.pickforbritain.org.uk regularly. We are aware of job-matching apps, but these are industry managed and not something that the Government is actively involved in beyond enforcing relevant regulations.

Zoos Support Fund

Douglas Chapman: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 13 May 2020 to Question 43677, what the total amount of funding available through the Zoo Support Fund is for England; and whether this fund qualifies for Barnett consequentials.

Victoria Prentis: The Zoos Support Fund (ZSF) is £14 million in total for England. The ZSF qualifies for Barnett consequentials. As a result of this package, the Devolved Administrations will receive £2.1 million in additional funding.

Food: Imports

Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to safeguard British farmers from the adverse effects of future imports of food that would be illegal to produce in the UK; what role he plans for the compulsory labelling of food products in those safeguarding arrangements; and whether he will establish a permanent body to ensure that the UK's high standards in (a) animal welfare, (b) food production and (c) food processing are maintained in the implementation of future trade deals.

Victoria Prentis: At the end of the transition period, the Withdrawal Act will convert all EU food safety, animal and plant health, animal welfare and environmental standards into domestic law. This includes a ban on using artificial growth hormones in both domestic and imported products. Nothing apart from potable water may be used to clean chicken carcasses. Any changes to these standards would have to come before Parliament. The Government has also committed to a rapid review and a consultation on the role of labelling to promote high standards of animal welfare. Finally, this Government was elected on a manifesto commitment that in all of our trade negotiations we will not compromise on our high environmental protections, animal welfare and food standards. The UK will maintain its own autonomous sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) regime to protect public, animal and plant life and health and the environment, reflecting its existing high standards. We will repatriate the functions of audit and inspections to ensure that trading partners, including those we secure trade deals with, continue to meet our import conditions. This will provide a standing, robust system that will work alongside border controls to maintain our high standards going forward.

Supermarkets: Coronavirus

Liz Saville Roberts: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has had with representatives from supermarkets on ensuring that appropriate adjustments have been made to enable as many disabled people as possible to shop safely during the covid-19 outbreak.

Victoria Prentis: The Government has been working closely with supermarkets to ensure that disabled people have access to the food and essential goods that they need. We have published guidance online that explains what steps people can take if they are unable to access food. This guidance has been shared with local authorities, retailers and charities to help them respond to enquiries from those seeking help. The guidance can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-accessing-food-and-essential-supplies. Supermarkets have been working at pace to expand the total number of delivery and click and collect slots. We have secured a limited number of supermarket delivery slots for the dedicated use of vulnerable people who are having difficulties in securing access to food and who have no other options available to them. We are working closely with local authorities and charities to help make sure these delivery slots are made available to those who need them most. We have built a bespoke digital service to enable local authorities and a number of charities to directly refer individuals for access to the prioritised slots. Most supermarkets also offer protected in-store shopping hours to the disabled and their carers. All major supermarkets have introduced cashless volunteer shopping cards that can be purchased online and used by volunteers to purchase foods on behalf of those self-isolating or in vulnerable groups.

Zoos: Coronavirus

Dr Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the effectiveness of techniques of maintaining social distancing applied by Jersey Zoo since its reopening on 12 May 2020; whether the site-specific plans for safe reopening of UK zoos have been evaluated by his Department; if he will make it his policy to allow zoos to reopen in Step Two in accordance with the safety plans currently prepared by them; and how many days' notice he plans to give to zoos once a reopening date has been chosen.

Victoria Prentis: We understand the challenges faced by zoos and aquariums during these unprecedented times.Defra officials have met with Jersey zoo since they reopened and have discussed the measures they have put in place, including: - Visitors to wear masks- Use of Protective screens at indoor contact points- Signage reminding visitors and staff of social distancing, frequent handwashing and the need to cover mouths if sneezing etc.- Floor taping to identify distances- Keeping indoor attractions closed- Social areas including café/playgrounds to remain closed- Limited entry numbers with pre-booking slots- Provision of hand sanitiser at frequent points- No public talks Defra officials have been engaging with the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) on their industry guidelines for reopening.While each individual attraction can be made safer, it’s vital that we do not move too quickly in reopening to ensure public health is protected. Zoos have therefore not been included in the list of outdoor ticketed venues that can reopen yet. As of 1 June 2020 aquariums, zoos and safari parks were added to the list of venues that are legally required to remain closed.Work is ongoing to understand how and when zoos and aquariums may be able to reopen in a safe way to the public whilst maintaining social distancing.We are meeting regularly with BIAZA to provide updates on the reopening position and have also emailed all licenced zoos with an update for 1 June. We will notify these again when there any further updates to the current position.

Global Resource Initiative Taskforce

Lloyd Russell-Moyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, when the Government plans to publish its response to the Final recommendations report of the Global Resource Initiative.

Rebecca Pow: The Global Resource Initiative taskforce published its final recommendations report on 30 March. This report comes at a time of an unprecedented global challenge, and the priority of the UK Government must remain focused on supporting the response to COVID-19. The Government is committed, however, to addressing the major challenges identified in the report and providing global leadership on these issues which are also important in supporting a recovery that is based on solid foundations including a fairer, greener and more resilient global economy. We will be looking carefully at the report’s detailed recommendations and issue our formal response later this year.

Environment Protection

Lloyd Russell-Moyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans he has to reduce the UK’s global environmental footprint.

Rebecca Pow: The Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan sets out our ambition to support and protect the world’s forests, support sustainable agriculture and work towards zero-deforestation supply chains. The UK is part of the Amsterdam Declarations Partnership that aims to eliminate deforestation from agricultural commodity chains and supports a 100% sustainable palm oil supply chain in Europe. Through International Climate Finance, Defra contributes to a joint pledge between the UK, Germany, and Norway to provide $5 billion to encourage ambitious action from developing countries to protect their forests and promote more sustainable patterns of land use. The Government has established an independent taskforce, the Global Resource Initiative, to provide us with recommendations as to how we could support the efforts of producer countries to improve the sustainability of products and reduce deforestation. The taskforce recently published its final report that sets out an ambitious and strategic package of measures the Government could take to reduce the UK’s global environmental footprint, with a focus on forest risk commodities. We will be looking carefully at the report’s detailed recommendations and we will issue our formal response later this year.

Wales Office

Wales Office: Correspondence

Marion Fellows: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what the average length of time was for Ministers of his Department to respond to correspondence from hon. Members in each month in the last two years.

Simon Hart: In line with Cabinet Office guidance, the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales has a target of responding to correspondence within 15 working days where a response is required. The average length of time over the past 2 years is set out below: MonthAverage response time in working daysMay 201811June 20187July 201812August 20187September 201822October 201811November 201810December 2018No responses required to hon. MembersJanuary 20197February 2019No responses required to hon. MembersMarch 201910April 2019No responses required to hon. MembersMay 201912June 20195July 20194August 201914September 2019No responses required to hon. MembersOctober 201915November 2019No responses required to hon. MembersDecember 2019No responses required to hon. MembersJanuary 202015February 20207March 20207April 20206

Registration of Births, Deaths, Marriages and Civil Partnerships: Wales

Chris Elmore: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, what discussions he has had with the Welsh Government on the registration of births, marriages or civil partnerships during the covid-19 lockdown.

Simon Hart: The UK Government meets regularly with the Welsh Government on a wide range of issues. We are all doing whatever it takes to help the UK defeat Coronavirus. Following the Prime Minister’s announcement of 23 March regarding measures to help stop the spread of the Coronavirus, the Local Registration Service in England and Wales deferred birth registration appointments and notifications of marriages and other ceremonies in line with social distancing guidelines. Plans to reopen these services will be discussed with the Welsh Government.

Ministry of Justice

Coronavirus: Prisons

Ian Mearns: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what plans his Department has to lift the covid-19 lockdown measures in place across the prison estate.

Lucy Frazer: Our roadmap for easing restrictions in prisons has been guided by public health advice alongside an operational assessment of what can be achieved in custodial settings while keeping staff and those in our care safe.Over the coming weeks and months we will look to bring back aspects of the prison regime, such as visits and work, in some cases adapted for safety, delivering our responsibilities and learning from the best available evidence.Our National Framework, which sets out in detail how we will take decisions about easing coronavirus-related restrictions in prisons, has been published on gov.uk.

Magistrates Courts: Sentencing

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to the Government Response to the Justice Committee’s Eighteenth Report of Session 2017-19: The Role of the Magistracy, CP192, what progress he has made on compiling the evidence base required to inform a decision on extending the custodial sentencing powers of Magistrates; and if he will make a statement.

Chris Philp: The Government has no current plans to increase magistrates’ custodial sentencing powers and has made no recent assessment of the impact of doing so.

Administration of Justice: Video Conferencing

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether he plans to commission independent research into the effectiveness of defendants' participation in the justice system by video link.

Chris Philp: HMCTS have externally commissioned research with defendants looking at understanding and improving their engagement, which includes exploring defendants’ experience of their video remand hearings. In addition, HMCTS commissioned an independent report from the London School of Economics to evaluate fully video hearings in civil and family jurisdictions in party-to-party hearings. This report is currently planned for publication in the of Summer 2020.The MoJ is undertaking an overarching evaluation of the HMCTS reform programme. The evaluation will consider the effect of reform on fairness, access to justice and cost to users and will include an assessment of how video has been used across the reform programme. An overarching evaluation framework will be published in due course, and a final report will be published at the end of the reform programme.

Prisoners On Remand: Video Conferencing

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to the Government response to the Justice Committee's report on Court and Tribunal reforms, Second Report of Session 2019, HC 190, what the timeframe is for HM Courts and Tribunals Service to commission the independent evaluation of Video Remand Hearings in pilot sites which have not previously undertaken video remand hearings.

Chris Philp: We are planning to commission independent research on video remand hearings and justice outcomes. The MoJ is currently undertaking an overarching evaluation of HMCTS reform. The evaluation will consider the effect of reform on fairness, access to justice and cost to users. Part of this evaluation will include an assessment of how video has been used across the reform programme. An overarching evaluation framework will be published in due course, and a final report will be published at the end of the reform programme

Remand in Custody: Coronavirus

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of the effect of the covid-19 outbreak on compliance with custody time limits.

Chris Philp: HMCTS is working closely with the Judiciary and all criminal justice agencies to ensure that cases are monitored through the system. The introduction of emergency legislation enabling the courts to make greater use of audio and video technology for any preliminary hearings where appropriate, has ensured that priority cases, including custody cases, have been heard. The prioritisation of which trials should commence first is a judicial decision and guidance has been given by the President of the Queen's Bench Division on 12th May which includes the consideration of whether a defendant is in custody and, if so, the date when the custody time limit expires and whether there has been any extension of the custody time limit.

Remand in Custody

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many people were held in custody beyond the statutory time limit in April (a) 2017, (b) 2018, (c) 2019 and (d) 2020.

Alex Cunningham: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many applications were made to extend custody time limits in April (a) 2017, (b) 2018, (c) 2019 and (d) 2020.

Chris Philp: The information requested is not available due to disproportionate cost.

Prison Visitors: Coronavirus

Charlotte Nichols: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps he has taken to facilitate contact between prisoners and their families during the covid-19 outbreak.

Lucy Frazer: As of 24 March, social visits in prisons in England and Wales are temporarily suspended to enable us to ensure the safe and secure functioning of our prisons, while enforcing social distancing. These measures are part of the nationwide efforts to fight Covid-19 and we will review the restrictions in line with updates to public health advice. In recognition of the importance of continued contact with family, we have moved quickly to keep prisoners in touch with their family members. This includes the provision of 900 locked mobile phones to establishments that do not yet have in-cell telephony. Additionally, on 15 May, we announced that secure video calls will be introduced to some prisons and Young Offender Institutions (YOIs) across England and Wales to maintain vital family contact for prisoners and young offenders during the Covid-19 outbreak. Following a successful trial at HMP Berwyn, HMPPS is installing the technology at 10 institutions with a wider rollout in the coming weeks.

Brian Healless

Rosie Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, whether the psychiatric reports presented before the jury in the trail of Brian Healless were used in the decision to transfer him to a mental hospital from prison.

Lucy Frazer: I wrote to the Honourable Member on 1 June in which I set out, in detail, why Mr Healless was transferred from a prison to hospital and the operation of that transfer process, prior to receiving this question.I can confirm that the psychiatric reports submitted to the Preston Crown Court during the course of Brian Healless’s trial for murder were not submitted as part of the required medical recommendations for his subsequent transfer from a prison to a hospital under Section 47 of the Mental Health Act 1983 (the 1983 Act).The Secretary of State would not ordinarily accept the use of psychiatric reports submitted to a court during the course of a criminal trial for the purposes of determining whether the statutory criteria for the transfer of a prisoner to hospital are met. Such reports do address similar criteria regarding the presence of a mental disorder and a potential need for an offender to be treated in a hospital. However, the primary aim of such a report is to assist a court in determining the appropriate sentence for a mentally-disordered offender, not the necessity for transferring a serving prisoner to hospital under the 1983 Act.

Crimes Against the Person and Rape: Criminal Proceedings

Daisy Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what his timescale is for the (a) completion and (b) publication of the review of the criminal justice response to rape and serious assault cases.

Daisy Cooper: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, how many times the Criminal Justice Board has met to discuss the review of the criminal justice response to rape and serious sexual offence cases since 6 March 2019.

Kit Malthouse: The Government recognises that the decline in the number of rape and serious sexual offences being charged and prosecuted in England and Wales is a cause for concern, and we are determined to do everything we can to ensure these appalling crimes are tackled effectively and victims are supported.A review of the criminal justice response to rape and serious sexual offences was commissioned in March 2019 by the National Criminal Justice Board (CJB). A sub-group of the CJB is driving forward the review and continues to gather and analyse detailed views from key groups and agencies across the Criminal Justice System to enable us to better understand how the system’s response to rape cases can be improved. The sub-group met in April 2019, June 2019, October 2019 and March 2020.The review was due to report its findings to the Criminal Justice Board in Spring 2020, however due in particular to the impact of COVID-19 on the Criminal Justice System, this has been delayed. The Government remains committed to the review and further details will be announced in due course.

Criminal Proceedings: Evidence

Mr Barry Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps he is taking to ensure that people tried in crown courts have full access at no cost to an electronic transcript of all the evidence collected for and presented at their trial.

Chris Philp: The audio in all crown court hearings is recorded and a transcript can be requested following the hearing. All transcript requests are referred to a judge for approval. Sometimes transcript requests can be refused or part refused by a judge, depending on the confidentiality of the case, for example if there are children or victims whose identities need to be protected, and if reporting restrictions are in place. In certain circumstances the judge may also direct that the transcript be made available at public expense. There are currently no plans to provide transcripts at no cost, unless directed by a judge.

Probation: Third Sector

Peter Kyle: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps he is taking to eliminate barriers to third sector provision of probation services.

Lucy Frazer: Voluntary and third sector organisations play a critical role in supporting rehabilitation and helping offenders turn their lives around. The Ministry of Justice is working closely with Clinks, the umbrella group for third sector organisations in criminal justice, to ensure we harness the full range of expertise and experience in the sector as part of the future probation system. This includes plans for a Dynamic Framework which will allow the National Probation Service (and other commissioners) to directly commission services in a way that encourages the participation of smaller suppliers and is responsive to the needs of local areas. We will set out further information shortly regarding services to be commissioned through the Dynamic Framework.

Prisons: Coronavirus

Ms Lyn Brown: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, pursuant to the Answers of 20 May 2020 to Questions 47226, 427227 and 427228 on Prisons: Coronavirus, if he will publish the (a) analysis HMPPS has undertaken for implementation of the compartmentalisation strategy, (b) numerical extent to which (i) a reduction in the population, (ii) support for early release schemes, (iii) expedition of remand cases, and (iv) expansion of the estate are expected to contribute to a headroom of 5,000  to 5,500 prison places and (b) the timeframe within which that headroom is expected to be achieved.

Lucy Frazer: Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) has introduced a compartmentalisation strategy to protect staff and those in our care. The efficacy of this approach was supported by a Public Health England assessment published on 24 April (link here).HMPPS has worked with individual establishments and local health teams to identify the most appropriate way to implement the compartmentalisation strategy in each prison, in line with national guidance. Full implementation will require around 5,000-5,500 additional headroom, from a combination of reduced demand and increased supply of places. This is being delivered through a range of means, including a reduction in the population, support for early release schemes, expediting of remand cases, and expansion of the estate. Available data shows that since mid-March the overall prison population has fallen by almost 4,000. As at Friday 29 May, 716 temporary accommodation units have been delivered to 23 HMPPS sites and 128 prisoners have been released under the End of Custody Temporary Release Scheme and compassionate release in light of Covid-19. We have also brought the former Medway Secure Training Centre back into operation temporarily as an annex to HMP/YOI Rochester. The location will provide temporary accommodation for 70 category D adult males. We are currently on track to have fully implemented compartmentalisation across the estate over the next couple of months and continue to work with establishments and review our plans to ensure we are implementing it in the most efficient manner possible.

Repossession Orders: Legal Opinion

Thangam Debbonaire: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what steps the Government is taking to ensure that people facing possession proceedings for their home are able to access the advice of a duty solicitor if court proceedings take place online or by phone.

Alex Chalk: Access to justice is a fundamental right and the government is committed to ensuring that everyone can get the support they need to access the justice system. Duty solicitors play a crucial role in upholding this right, through offering on the day emergency advice and advocacy to anyone facing possession proceedings in court. This means that anyone in danger of being evicted from their home or having their property repossessed can get free legal advice and representation on the day of their court hearing, regardless of their financial circumstances. That said, repossession cases are currently stayed in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Ministry of Justice and the Legal Aid Agency are working at pace to ensure that this support is available for those facing eviction when repossession hearings restart, which is currently scheduled to be after 24 June. This includes support for those attending hearings which are conducted remotely due to Covid-19 and those that include physical distancing measures.

Prisoners: Parents

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what processes his Department has put in place to ensure that the children of prisoners are able to have contact with their parents during the covid-19 outbreak.

Andrew Gwynne: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what plans his Department has to extend the pilot of video calls between prisoners and their children during the covid-19 outbreak.

Lucy Frazer: In recognition of the importance of continued contact with family, we have moved quickly to keep prisoners in touch with their family members. This includes the provision of 900 locked mobile phones to establishments that do not yet have in-cell telephony. All prisoners, male and female, now have access to some form of telephony either in-cell, landing PIN phone or locked mobile Additionally, on 15 May, we announced that secure video calls will be introduced to prisons and Young Offender Institutions (YOIs) across England and Wales to maintain vital family contact for prisoners and young offenders during the Covid-19 outbreak. Following a successful trial at HMP Berwyn, Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service is installing the technology at 10 institutions with a wider rollout in the coming weeks.

Legal Aid Scheme: Equality

Ms Angela Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s response to the Post-Implementation Review of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, what estimate his Department has made of the number of cases of people with protected characteristics unable to access legal aid.

Alex Chalk: The Post-Implementation Review (PIR) of LASPO assessed the impact of LASPO on individuals with protected characteristics and considered how those accessing legal aid has changed over time. This concluded that diversity data shows few substantial changes in the proportion of clients with different characteristics but that key stakeholders raised concerns that LASPO may have had a disproportionate impact on certain groups. This assessment is included at paragraph 170 – 194 of the PIR, which can be found here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/777038/post-implementation-review-of-part-1-of-laspo.pd Alongside the PIR, we published the Legal Support Action Plan (LSAP) which set out our vision of a modern system of legal support. This includes ensuring that the method of accessing such support does not inadvertently act as a barrier for some groups. To this end we announced the removal of the mandatory requirements from the Civil Legal Advice telephone gateway for debt, discrimination, and special educational needs cases and this change came into force on 15 May. We continue to review the equalities’ impacts of legal aid policies on those with protected characteristics.

Legal Aid Scheme: Equality

Ms Angela Eagle: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s response to the Post-Implementation Review of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, what progress his Department has made on implementing the recommendations in that report.

Alex Chalk: The Equality and Human Rights Commission made a number of submissions to the Post-Implementation Review (PIR) of LASPO. These focused on fully assessing the impact of LASPO on access to justice and on individuals with protected characteristics; reviewing the means test; reinstating legal aid for initial advice; enhancing the availability of information on legal aid; reforming the exceptional case funding scheme (ECF); addressing potential reductions in access to redress for human rights breaches; and, making changes to the Legal Advice Telephone Gateway (CLA Gateway). To address issues raised during the PIR, including these, we published a Legal Support Action Plan. This set out the government’s vision for the future of legal support (including legal aid) in England and Wales and committed to implementing changes to both legal aid and legal support to achieve this. Commitments include a review of the legal aid means tests, improvements to the exceptional case funding scheme, piloting the reintroduction of early legal advice in specific categories of law, the removal of the mandatory element of the CLA Gateway, and the launch of a campaign to raise awareness of legal support, including legal aid. On 21 April 2020, we laid a Statutory Instrument to fulfil our commitment to remove the mandatory element of the CLA Gateway for those seeking legal aid in discrimination, debt and special educational needs matters, reinstating immediate access to face-to-face advice in these cases. This came into force on 15 May 2020. In addition, the Means Test Review was due to report in late Summer 2020 but has since been paused due to the COVID-19 outbreak. We hope to recommence the review and continue to progress other elements of the LSAP in coming weeks as we move towards recovery. We will continue to engage regularly and extensively with stakeholders such as the EHRC as part of this process.

Criminal Proceedings: Autism

Kevin Brennan: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what recent discussions he has had with (a) the Secretary of State with for Health and Social Care and (b) the Secretary of State for the Home Department on safeguarding autistic people who come into contact with the criminal justice system.

Chris Philp: The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is committed to meeting the needs of all vulnerable people who come into contact with the criminal justice system, including those with autism. We understand the importance of working closely with partners across government to support this cohort. In October year, Robert Buckland MP, Secretary of State for Justice, had a bilateral meeting with Matt Hancock MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (DHSC). Autism and learning difficulties within the criminal justice system was an agenda item at this meeting. DHSC and the Department for Education are leading a refresh of the cross-government Autism Strategy, for which the MoJ is one of five signatories. My department is contributing to the refresh, including work to improve data capture on autism, and to increase – through training and awareness – the ability of staff in the criminal justice system to better understand and support individuals with autism. We are also working to promote Autism Accreditation across the prison estate and probation, and to share best practice from the three prisons and one probation area that have achieved the prestigious award. Autism Accreditation is a quality-assurance scheme run by the National Autistic Society, which demonstrates that a certain level of support is in place for autistic people. The MoJ is also working with officials across government, including the Home Office, as part of the Cabinet Office-led National Strategy for Disabled People. This represents an opportunity to develop cross-government wide policies to support people with disabilities, including autism.

Cabinet Office

Department for International Trade: Brexit

Tim Farron: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, how many civil servants are engaged in negotiations with the EU on a post-transition period trade deal.

Penny Mordaunt: Negotiations with the EU are led by Task Force Europe. This is a small central unit within the Prime Minister’s Office led by the Chief Negotiator David Frost and currently has 42 staff. These negotiations are a cross-departmental effort and accordingly involve a larger number of staff overall. For example, more than a hundred UK staff have been involved in recent negotiating rounds, supported by FCO officials and others.

Marriage: Coronavirus

Barbara Keeley: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the Government's timeframe is for weddings of different sizes to be able to resume.

Penny Mordaunt: Our Plan To Rebuild, the Government's COVID-19 Recovery Strategy, is published on gov.uk and includes details on plans for weddings. We understand the frustration couples planning a wedding must be feeling at this time. We are keeping these restrictions under review and will ease them as soon as it is safe to do so. We will continue to work closely with faith leaders and local government over the coming weeks to go through the practicalities of doing so.Marriages and civil partnerships under the special procedure for those who are seriously ill and not expected to recover, are taking place in some cases where it is safe to do so in line with PHE guidance.

UK Trade with EU: Northern Ireland

Louise Haigh: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to page 13 of his Department's publication, The UK’s Approach to the Northern Ireland Protocol, whether each animal and agri-food product moving from Great Britain to Northern Ireland will require an Export Health Certificate.

Louise Haigh: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what recent estimate his Department has made of the proportion of goods consignments from Great Britain to Northern Ireland that contain agri-food products.

Louise Haigh: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the UK's approach to the Northern Ireland Protocol, published on 20 May 2020, whether the proposals set out in paragraph 19, page 10 require a derogation from the Union Customs Code; and whether the Government will seek such an agreement.

Louise Haigh: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to p11 (25) of the UK's Approach to the Northern Ireland Protocol, if he will outline what constitutes a genuine and substantial risk; and what estimate he has made of the proportion of goods will be charged under that definition.

Louise Haigh: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, when the Government plans to publish guidance for businesses and third parties on the UK's Approach to the Protocol.

Louise Haigh: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether (a) entry summary (safety and security) declaration, (b) customs checks, (c) regulatory checks, (d) export or exit summary declarations for goods and (e) Rules of Origin requirements and checks will be required for relevant parties or goods trading between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Louise Haigh: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what estimate the Government has made of the volume of the proportion of consignments that will be checked between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

Louise Haigh: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether the new electronic important declaration requirement referenced in the UK's Approach to the Northern Ireland Protocol already exists; and whether development work has begun on that declaration requirement.

Louise Haigh: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to paragraph 57, p19 of the UK's Approach to the Northern Ireland Protocol, what estimate of the proportion of goods on which duties will be levied was the assumption that tariffs will be relatively small made.

Penny Mordaunt: I refer the Hon Member to the oral statement - accompanying the publication of the Government Command Paper, the UK's Approach to the Northern Ireland Protocol - which was made by my Rt Hon Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster on 20 May. I also refer to the commitment in the Command Paper, to publishing further detailed information and guidance. These will be published in due course.As the Command Paper, The UK's Approach to the Northern Ireland Protocol, sets out explicitly, we are clear that there should be no tariffs on internal goods movements because the UK - as the Protocol acknowledges - is a single customs territory. The paper outlines several examples of movements that pose no risk of movement into the EU Single Market - such as a supermarket delivering to its stores in NI. This is a principle to be formalised in the Joint Committee, but as the Command Paper makes clear we consider there to be various ways of making it work in practice. We will work closely with the Northern Ireland Executive and businesses to develop these proposals, and produce full guidance to business and third parties before the end of the transition period.On unfettered access, the Protocol is clear that nothing in it prevents Northern Ireland business enjoying unfettered access to the rest of the UK internal market, and we will legislate to guarantee this by the end of the year.On agri-food, the Government's approach builds on the long-standing status of the island of Ireland as a single epidemiological zone. As has long been acknowledged, some checks on agri-food will be required to help protect supply chains and the disease-free status of the island of Ireland. These will build on the existing precedents of agri-food checks for live animals arriving in Northern Ireland, from the rest of the UK. Further details are to be discussed with the EU in the Withdrawal Agreement Joint Committee.

Coronavirus: Disease Control

Shabana Mahmood: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps the Government is taking to ensure that cross-government strategies to ease covid-19 public health restrictions do not put people living in multi-generational households at an increased risk of infection.

Penny Mordaunt: As set out in Our Plan to Rebuild, the Government is introducing a range of adjustments to social distancing measures, timing these carefully according to both the current transmission rate of the virus and the Government’s ability to ensure safety. The steps for modifying social distancing measures are set out in the plan, with strict conditions to safely move from each step to the next.The government has committed to keeping social distancing measures under close review. As part of this work, we have been considering the impact of these measures on different groups in society or those from particular backgrounds.We have published guidance for people with grandparents, parents and children living together which is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/guidance-for-households-with-grandparents-parents-and-children-living-together-where-someone-is-at-increased-risk-or-has-symptoms-of-coronavirus-cov

UK Trade With EU: Inspections

Louise Haigh: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to Paragraph 4, page 92 Draft UK Negotiating Document, what estimate he has made of the volume of physical inspections that will be carried out.

Penny Mordaunt: The article precludes the use of mandatory pre-shipment inspections. Beyond that, it will be up to the UK and the EU – and predominantly businesses - to determine what level of inspections they want to undertake on products prior to export.

Subversion: Russia

Patricia Gibson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, when the Government plans to publish the Intelligence and Security Committee report on possible Russian interference or involvement in UK politics.

Zarah Sultana: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, when the Intelligence and Security Committee will be reappointed; and when that Committee's report on Russia will be published.

Chloe Smith: I refer the Hon. members to the answer given to PQ 40706 on 4 May 2020.

Business: Coronavirus

Emma Hardy: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what plans he has to publish a list of businesses that will be able to open under stage three of the Government’s covid-19 recovery strategy.

Penny Mordaunt: The move to Step Three of the COVID-19 Recovery Strategy will take place when the assessment of risk warrants further adjustments to the remaining measures.Further details will be published in due course as appropriate.

Coronavirus

Richard Burgon: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will publish the estimates provided to the Government of the number of new covid-19 infections on each day since 1 May 2020.

Chloe Smith: The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. I have therefore asked the Authority to respond.



UKSA Response 
(PDF Document, 62.06 KB)

Constituencies

Cat Smith: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the cost to the public purse has been of the 2018 Boundary Commission review for (a) England, (b) Northern Ireland, (c) Scotland and (d) Wales.

Cat Smith: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what the cost to the public purse has been of the Boundary Commission for England's 2018 Review.

Chloe Smith: Figures for expenditure over each financial year are published by the Boundary Commissions for England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland as part of their annual reports. These are available online.

Dominic Cummings

Owen Thompson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether Special Adviser Dominic Cummings sought advice from his Department on the Code of Conduct for Special Advisers in advance of making a public statement on 25 May 2020.

Owen Thompson: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether Dominic Cummings media appearance on 25 May 2020 was in breach of clause 14 of the Code of Conduct for Special Advisers.

Chloe Smith: The Prime Minister authorised Mr Cummings’ statement to the media of 25 May, in accordance with paragraph 13 of the Code of Conduct for Special Advisers.The Cabinet Secretary has set out that as the event related to his conduct in his official role, it was considered appropriate for the No 10 Press Office to facilitate it on Government premises.

House of Commons Commission

Members: Travel

Marion Fellows: To ask the hon. Member for Perth and North Perthshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, whether the Commission has made an assessment of the effect of the travel restrictions in relation to covid-19 on trends in the level of the cost of MP’s travel to Westminster.

Pete Wishart: Issues relating to the costs of MPs’ travel to Westminster are a matter for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority.The Commission has ensured the Travel Office remains available to all members to facilitate their travel to and from Westminster and have made specific arrangements to ensure that accommodation is available where required.

House of Commons: Staff

Owen Thompson: To ask the hon. Member for Perth and North Perthshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, what estimate the Commission has made of the number of additional House staff that will be required to be physically present on the Parliamentary estate to support the operation of Parliament as a result of the end of hybrid proceedings.

Pete Wishart: The House of Commons Commission is aware that up to 650 House Service and Parliamentary Digital staff may be required on site from Monday 1 June onwards. In addition to this figure there are additional passholders on the Parliamentary Estate including the Metropolitan Police and increasing numbers of construction contractors.This increase is due to the end of hybrid proceedings, with the change in government guidance for sectors like construction also contributing to the increase.The number provided represents staff on site over a 24-hour period.

House of Commons: Coronavirus

Douglas Chapman: To ask the hon. Member for Perth and North Perthshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, what discussions the Commission has had with representatives from (a) trade unions and (b) other staff organisations on the health and safety implications of the House returning on 2 June 2020 without hybrid proceedings.

Pete Wishart: The House authorities on behalf of the Commission have met with representatives of the Trade Unions for staff in the House of Commons and PDS formally at least three times per week since the beginning of March, and with representatives of Members’ and Peers’ Staff Association (MAPSA) and Unite as representatives of Members’ staff. These discussions have covered all aspects of how the House is responding to Covid-19, including preparations for the return of the House on 2 June.The Commission has also invited submissions from the groups mentioned above.

House of Commons: Staff

Douglas Chapman: To ask the hon. Member for Perth and North Perthshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, what risk assessment the Commission has made of the effect on security staff of the House returning on 2 June 2020 without hybrid proceedings; and whether (a) PPE and (b) other equipment has been purchased for those staff to mitigate the risk of covid-19.

Pete Wishart: The provision of personal protective equipment to protect against coronavirus has been guided by Public Health England. After a review, they have advised that the only work on the estate that requires face masks for protection against the coronavirus is undertaken by the occupational health team.Aprons and face masks for use by security officers are available for the security team to wear whilst processing a person through search and screening if they wish, but they are not an essential risk control.The House of Commons has carried out a COVID-19 risk assessment to comply with the government’s guidance on managing the risks of COVID-19 in the workplace. The results have been shared with House staff, hon. Members and other individuals who work on the Parliamentary Estate. The assessment has also been published on the Parliamentary intranet and the UK Parliament internet transparency pages.Local task-specific risk assessments have been undertaken by individual teams and offices across the House of Commons to facilitate work activities recommencing safely on the estate. Aligned with Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance, the significant findings of these risk assessments have been recorded and used to communicate and manage the risks at Parliament.

House of Commons: Coronavirus

Martyn Day: To ask the hon. Member for Perth and North Perthshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, whether the Commission has made an assessment of the potential merits of hon. Members wearing face masks or face coverings upon return to physical Parliamentary proceedings; and if he will make a statement.

Pete Wishart: The Commission is led by the current Government advice on the use of face masks and coverings.Advice from Public Health England has been considered which states that face coverings may be beneficial in places where it is hard to follow and maintain social distancing measures e.g. on public transport. Face coverings are not a replacement for social distancing and regular handwashing which remain the most important actions. As hon. Members can maintain social distancing and have easy access to handwashing facilities or hand sanitiser, it was concluded that face coverings were not necessary.A review of this decision was carried out on 3 June and concluded that the advice did not need to be updated in line with current government guidance.Although not considered necessary it is an MP’s choice if they do want to wear a face covering on the Parliamentary estate.